November 25, 2007	Sunday	Ziqa’ad 14, 1428

RAWALPINDI, Nov 24: High explosive material in a large quantity was used in the near-simultaneous blasts in Rawalpindi on Thursday, according to an investigation report compiled by the explosive experts of the Special Investigation Group (SIG) of the Federal Investigation Agency, a source told Dawn.

The source said high explosive material in shapes of mortar shells was used in the twin suicide car bombings unlike the previous two suicide bombings near military headquarters on September 4.

Though the authorities linked the latest car bombings with the previous incidents in which the suicide bombers had used jackets containing pellets, but, they said, in the latest cases high explosive material was used apparently to cause huge fire.

A van laden with high explosives rammed into a bus carrying security force personnel as it was entering the intelligence services building near Faizabad. As a result, the crowded bus caught fire, killing over 18 people and causing severe burns to nearly 35 others.

The fire was so intense that it almost burnt the bus and the suicide bomber’s car into ashes.

However, no group has claimed the responsibility for the bombings.

The source said the SIG team was reportedly denied access to the scene of the blasts due to its sensitivity; however, they compiled a report on whatever the evidences they had collected and handed it over to the military authorities.

Immediately after the first incident, the security personnel started search of private buildings located in front of the camp. Traffic going towards the federal capital on Murree Road was also diverted towards the Stadium Road. It caused a traffic mess and problems to commuters.

Two out of the three injured victims treated at Rawalpindi General Hospital were later shifted to the military hospital.

However, the security agencies have started a search for the third injured who gave his name as Hassan Akhtar and later vanished from the hospital after having the first aid. However, a doctor at the hospital said he was slightly injured, therefore, was allowed to go after the first aid.

The source said six bodies of the victims were handed over to their relatives after identifications. However, the remaining bodies are yet to be identified.

The investigating authorities with the help of Elite Force were trying to locate the owners of the two vehicles used in the car bombings. It is being speculated that the two vehicles used by the suicide bombers could have either been snatched or stolen by culprits.

Today’s were the third terrorist strikes in high security zones in Rawalpindi and the first since a state of emergency was imposed.