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United Nations

Rocket Attacks on U.S. and U.N. Offices in Islamabad

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

U.S. officials believe that rocket attacks on U.S. and U.N. offices in Islamabad may have been carried out by the Taliban or sympathetic Islamic extremists. The attacks, which injured six people, came just two days before the U.N. is set to impose sanctions on Afghanistan for its failure to hand over Osama bin Laden. The sanctions, which include a freeze on the Taliban's overseas assets, are being pushed by the Clinton administration through the U.N. Security Council.

Key Takeaways:

  • The rocket attacks on U.S. and U.N. offices in Islamabad injured six people and were condemned by Pakistani officials as "premeditated and wanton terrorism."
  • The Taliban has repeatedly refused to surrender Osama bin Laden, accused of directing an international network of Islamic terrorists known as Al Qaida from a base in Afghanistan.
  • U.S. officials suspect that members of the Taliban, allied Islamic extremist organizations, or sympathetic Muslim fundamentalists in Pakistan may have been behind the attacks.
  • Mullah Muhammad Omar, the Taliban's supreme leader, denied any connection to the attacks.
  • The Taliban has hinted that they might be willing to expel bin Laden, but have recently hardened their stance and refused to do so.
  • U.S. officials speculate that a group of pro-Taliban militia members may have been planning a terrorist strike against Western targets inside Pakistan for the past two months.
  • Pakistan's military leader, Gen. Pervaiz Musharraf, offered to mediate between the United States and the Taliban in the dispute over bin Laden.
  • U.S. officials believe that the likeliest suspects behind the attacks are members of the Taliban or sympathetic Islamic extremists.
  • The sanctions, pushed by the Clinton administration, include a freeze on the Taliban's overseas assets.

Statistics:

  • 6 people were injured in the rocket attacks
  • 6 separate attacks occurred almost simultaneously at midday Friday
  • 2 days separated the attacks from the imposition of U.N. sanctions on Afghanistan
  • The sanctions include a freeze on the Taliban's overseas assets
  • Osama bin Laden is accused of directing an international network of Islamic terrorists known as Al Qaida from a base in Afghanistan

Sources:

  • Knight Ridder Newspapers
  • The Washington Post
  • The Associated Press
  • Tariq Gabrial/AP
  • Compiled from wire reports

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