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                  Blasts, Gunfire Rock Central Jakarta; 6 Dead

   by VOA News

   Several explosions and subsequent gunfire rocked a central area of
   Indonesia's capital, Jakarta, Thursday, leaving at least six people
   dead, according to officials and witnesses.

   Local media report as many as six blasts went off near the Sarinah
   shopping center, where there are also several office buildings,
   embassies and upscale hotels.

   At least one of the blasts appeared to target a Starbucks coffee shop.
   Witnesses reported heavy gunfire in the area.

   Police say at least some of the explosions were caused by bombs. It is
   not clear who is responsible for the blasts, or whether they have been
   apprehended or killed.

   Pictures and videos posted on social media appeared to show several
   bodies lying on a main street. Witnesses reported a heavy police
   presence, preventing journalists from accessing the area.

   Local media report that several other blasts throughout the city,
   although the reports could not be immediately confirmed.

   Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim majority nation, has been the
   target of several terrorist attacks, most notably the 2002 Bali
   bombings that killed 202 people, mostly foreign tourists.

   The last attack against foreigners was a twin hotel bombing in Jakarta
   in 2009.

   Jakarta has long been warning about the threat of recruitment by
   Islamic State and other extremist groups.

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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/blasts-gunfire-rock-central-jakarta/3
   145245.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/blasts-gunfire-rock-central-jakarta/3145245.html