TV reports little-known Islamic group claims Pakistan attack

DUBAI (Reuters) - A little known Islamic group claimed responsibility for the attack on the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad on Saturday which killed 53, Arabiya television reported on Monday.

The group calling itself Fedayeen Islam (Partisans of Islam) called Arabiya's correspondent in the Pakistani capital and issued several demands including for Pakistan to stop its cooperation with the United States, Arabiya television said.

The television said the group played a recording to the reporter in which a group spokesman said there had been 250 U.S. marines and NATO officials at the hotel. Arabiya said the authenticity of the tape could no be verified and the group is not known to have claimed other attacks.

The Czech ambassador and at least three other foreigners were among the 53 people killed in Saturday's blast, Islamabad's worst bomb attack. The bombing wounded 266 people and security officials said it bore the hallmarks of al Qaeda.

(Editing by Keith Weir)