maoist attac lukla airport tower

[Andrees]

I just read this short artikle in www.nepalnews.com:

Maoists attack Lukla airport tower
Maoists hurled pressure cooker bombs at the old tower of Lukla airport Sunday night shattering window panes and blowing off tin roofs, police said. Nobody was injured in the bomb attack, but air service has been suspended.

I dont know if this is any change in the policy of the maoist, till now they newer attaced tourists. On the other hand they have attaced several times airfields and planes, an easy target. Personnaly this would not be a reason for me, not to go to Nepal or postpone a planned trip, most of Nepal seems to be still safe ad quiet. But it should be be the reason just to inform you well if you are going there.

[rirun]

This British Embassy Security Notice is for the attention of British Citizens resident in, or travelling to, the Kingdom of Nepal.

http://www.britain.gov.np/traveladvice.htm
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SECURITY ADVICE
ISSUED AT 1500 ON WEDNESDAY, 6 FEBRUARY 2002

Over the nights 3/4 February, Maoists cadres launched a number of attacks on Lukla airport, and town. Lukla is the main point of entry by air for tourists visiting the Solu Khumbu (Namche Bazar, Everest base camp, Mera, Island Peak etc).

Details remain sketchy but apparently the airport tower was bombed and has been damaged and a bank and a number of private houses looted.Ê There have been no reported casualties.Ê

A group of stranded foreign tourists have today been flown out of Lukla on a RNA helicopter.Ê Civilian flights have not yet resumed and at the time of writing there is no indication of when they might re-start.

Although the Maoist attacks were not directed at tourists, Lukla is a major trekking hub and this action by the Maoists could have serious implications for tourism to the area as a whole.Ê

We strongly caution all British citizens against travel to the Solu Khumbu until this present situation has been resolved and Lukla airport is again functioning normally.

The British Embassy will continue issue security advice as new information becomes available. The British Embassy is available for further advice at any time on 410583.

Consular Section
British Embassy
Kathmandu
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rirun