Al Qaeda plot to assassinate Musharraf foiled

Pakistan's intelligence agencies have claimed to have foiled a plot to assassinate President Pervez Musharraf by arresting members of terrorist outfit Al Qaeda in Karachi.

A large cache of ammunition and weapons was seized from the terrorists who had planned to blow up an entire bridge on Drig Road, which Musharraf's convoy was to cross while coming from the airport to Shahrah-e-Faisal, sources told Online news agency.

Two more attacks were planned in case Musharraf survived the first one.

The arrested persons also revealed that their group was planning to target army installations and foreign embassies, and to kidnap influential personalities to press for the release of their comrades.

The terrorists also told interrogators that their plans would be carried out despite their arrest, as the group had been divided into smaller groups to execute the task.

After the arrests, intelligence agencies have tightened security for prominent personalities and sensitive buildings.

After the completion of their interrogation, the arrested persons will be handed over to the Pakistan Rangers or police in a couple of days, Online said.

Mushrraf, 64, has survived nearly half a dozen attempts on his life since he took over power in 1999, the last being in July this year when an anti-aircraft gun was fired at his aircraft as it took off from a runway in Rawalpindi.