Deadly Hotel Blast in Peshawar Leaves 16 Dead, Dozens Injured

Strategic Insights -

At least three foreigners were among the 16 people killed in a devastating suicide bombing at the Pearl Continental hotel in Peshawar, Pakistan. The attack, which occurred at 10:30 PM last night, also left more than 50 people injured, including several foreign nationals. The death toll rose to 16 after five more bodies were recovered from the rubble of the hotel this morning.

Key Takeaways:

  • The death toll from the attack has risen to 16, with at least three foreigners among the dead, including two UN employees.
  • The attack occurred at 10:30 PM last night, with police and rescue workers scouring the burnt-out rooms of the hotel for survivors and clues.
  • Five bodies were pulled out from the debris early this morning, with reports suggesting that three of the bodies found were those of terrorists involved in the attack.
  • The attack was reminiscent of the suicide bombing of the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad last year.
  • The truck used to bomb the Pearl Continental was packed with about 500 kg of explosives, destroying about 50 vehicles in the parking lot and damaging a nearby mosque and several other buildings.
  • Dozens of UN employees and aid workers were staying at the Pearl Continental before heading out to refugee camps set up for people displaced by the military operations against the Taliban in Swat and nearby areas.
  • The hotel, often referred to as the "PC", is well guarded, with cars undergoing several security checks and traveling past concrete and metal barriers to reach the front of the hotel.
  • Pakistani tycoon Sadruddin Hashwani owns the hotel, with the US State Department reportedly pulling out of purchasing the hotel to use as the American consulate in Peshawar.

Statistics:

  • 16 people killed in the attack, including at least three foreigners.
  • Over 50 people were injured in the attack, including several foreign nationals.
  • Five bodies were pulled out from the debris early this morning.
  • The truck used to bomb the Pearl Continental was packed with about 500 kg of explosives.
  • About 50 vehicles were destroyed in the parking lot of the hotel.
  • The attack damaged a nearby mosque and several other buildings.

Sources:

  • PTI (Press Trust of India): "Pakistan hotel blast toll rises to 16"
  • ARY News channel: "Footage shows multiple attackers entering hotel compound before explosion"
  • Cited reports from the North West Frontier Province Information Minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain.