An attack reminiscent of recent hotel attacks in Pakistan and Mumbai, planned to impact civilians and foreigners, and to have maximal economic impact. “‘Fatal’ blasts hit Jakarta hotels,” from BBC News, July 17:
At least four people have been killed in two separate explosions at luxury hotels in the Indonesian capital Jakarta, say reports.
The country’s Metro TV reported that one blast hit the Ritz-Carlton and the other, the Marriott Hotel.
At least three people were injured in the Marriott blast, the Associated Press quoted police as saying.
South Jakarta police Col Firman Bundi said four who died were foreigners, reported AP.
“There were explosions heard from two separate places, one the JW Marriott, the other in the Ritz Carlton,” South Jakarta Police Chief Firman Santyabudi told AP.
“We are still trying to check because right now we are still helping the victims,” he said.
Myra Junor witnessed the blasts from a nearby building and said windows on the lower floors of the Ritz-Carlton had shattered.
The two hotels are in Jakarta’s central business district.
CNN notes that the same Marriott hotel was also bombed in 2003.