Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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September 20, 2008

At Least 17 Dead in Explosion at Islamabad Hotel
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=1E4AEAD:A6F02AD83191E160B1B4E2CF57D62F99C030207A0BD70133&
 
Blast took place outside heavily guarded Marriott Hotel; witnesses say
explosion caused by bomb-laden vehicle 
View of destruction caused by bomb explosion at hotel in Islamabad, 20
Sep 2008 Police and witnesses say at least 17 people have been killed in
a massive explosion at a Western hotel in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad.
Saturday's blast took place outside the heavily guarded Marriott Hotel.
Witnesses tell reporters the explosion was caused by a bomb-laden
vehicle. Journalists on the scene counted several bodies. Television
reports showed part of the hotel on fire, and windows blown out. A huge
crater was seen in front of the hotel. Ambulances rushed to the scene,
and debris was scattered on the street. Witnesses say the blast was
heard and felt several blocks away. The blast came just hours after
Pakistan's new president, Asif Ali Zardari, told parliament the country
will continue its fight against terrorism and extremism. In other
violence, Pakistani military officials say three soldiers and three
civilians, including a child, were killed in a suicide bomb attack on an
army convoy in the country's northwest. Major Murad Khan says the convoy
was near the town of Mir Ali, on its way to Miran Shah, the main town in
North Waziristan's tribal region, when it was attacked today. Hours
later, military officials say a second army convoy hit a roadside bomb
as it headed to Wana, the main town in the South Waziristan tribal area.
At least two soldiers were killed, and three others injured. No group
has yet claimed responsibility for either attack. Some information for
this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.


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