July 07: Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has escaped from an anti-aircraft attack targeted him near military airbase in Rawalpindi while he was going to Baluchistan and Sindh for inspecting flooded area. It is assumed that this attack may be in revenge of Lal Masjid issue.
According to sources, Musharraf was going to Turbat town in Balochistan to inspecting the flood situation. He used his regular military airbase and the flight took off from the base. After several minutes of flight, several rounds of fires come towards the flight from unidentified militant through antiaircraft and light machine guns.
According Local DawnTV report, a rocket was also fired targeting Musharraf’s aircraft from a rooftop of a house located near the runway of the Chaklala airbase in Rawalpindi. On the other hand, the Defence ministry denied the local TV report arguing that “There is no truth to such reports and the media should be aware of their responsibilities while reporting any sensitive issue. The report is concocted, baseless and unfounded.” as reported to APP news agency from defence officials.
Pakistani military spokesman Major General Waheed Arshad told to the AFP, “It was not related to the president, neither any rocket had been fired targeting his aircraft,”.
One security officer told in the condition of secrecy, “The shots were fired from the roof of a house that was rented by a couple some days ago. They have arrested one suspect and taken into possession a machinegun which was used as an anti-aircraft weapon.”.
The local police raided the house and found two anti-aircraft guns with some light machineguns from the roof of the house. The militant ran away before the raid. The police also recovered 150 rounds of ammunition from the location. “The 14.5 mm calibre weapon was found on a crudely-made wooden tripod on the roof. It had been specially modified to increase its range. The man and woman who rented the house fled by the time security forces got to the scene. The suspect (a third person) was arrested near the scene.” said a security officer.
“Musharraf was not in the picture when shot were fired”, said another official. More then 150 rounds of ammunition have been recovered from the place. Besides police the officers of Military Intelligence and the Inter Services Intelligence also visited the house.
The officers are suspecting that this attack may be some relation with current crackdown against the Lal Masjid. It is known that the clashes have been going down there between the Masjid administration and the security forces since last four days.
According to the neighbours of the suspected house, “They heard the massive bursts of gunfire causing panic all around. The house was rented by an unidentified bearded man yesterday along with his wife and two children. Several other bearded men were seen suspiciously moving on the terrace.” All of them ran away before police raided the scene. But house owner has been arrested for questioning.
Musharaf reached Balochistan safely. He survived several attacks but he escapes safely every time for the sake of god.
|
|
Comments:
