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Dozens killed in Pakistan attack Dozens killed in Pakistan attack
(10 minutes later)
A bomb attack has hit the Marriott Hotel in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, killing at least 31 people.A bomb attack has hit the Marriott Hotel in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, killing at least 31 people.
The BBC's Barbara Plett who is at the scene says the blast created a 20ft (6m) deep crater, and destroyed the entire front section of the hotel.The BBC's Barbara Plett who is at the scene says the blast created a 20ft (6m) deep crater, and destroyed the entire front section of the hotel.
She says the building is engulfed in flames, and rescue workers are carrying out bloodied victims and bodies.She says the building is engulfed in flames, and rescue workers are carrying out bloodied victims and bodies.
Police say the blast occurred as a lorry approached the hotel, and that it was a suspected suicide attack. Police say the blast occurred as a lorry approached the hotel and they suspect it was a suicide attack.
Police estimate that the blast was caused by more than a tonne of explosives.Police estimate that the blast was caused by more than a tonne of explosives.
Heavy securityHeavy security
Our correspondent says that the centre of the blast was at the front of the building close to the area where security checks are carried out.Our correspondent says that the centre of the blast was at the front of the building close to the area where security checks are carried out.
I don't understand what it was, but it was like the world is finished Hotel employee Mohammad Sultan In pictures: Islamabad blastI don't understand what it was, but it was like the world is finished Hotel employee Mohammad Sultan In pictures: Islamabad blast
She says that about two-thirds of the 290-room hotel is on fire, and the wounded and dead are still being brought out, on stretchers or wrapped in sheets.She says that about two-thirds of the 290-room hotel is on fire, and the wounded and dead are still being brought out, on stretchers or wrapped in sheets.
There are unconfirmed reports of people being trapped inside the building. She says the emergency services have been unable to reach the upper floors of the hotel, where more people are feared to be trapped.
Ambulances and police have rushed to the scene.
A hotel employee, Mohammad Sultan, said he was in the reception when something exploded, forcing him to the ground.A hotel employee, Mohammad Sultan, said he was in the reception when something exploded, forcing him to the ground.
"I don't understand what it was, but it was like the world is finished," he told the Associated Press news agency."I don't understand what it was, but it was like the world is finished," he told the Associated Press news agency.
There are reports that the explosion brought down the ceiling of the banquet hall, where some 300 people were sharing a meal to break the fast during the holy month of Ramadan.There are reports that the explosion brought down the ceiling of the banquet hall, where some 300 people were sharing a meal to break the fast during the holy month of Ramadan.
The Marriott is located near government buildings and diplomatic missions. Security there is tight, with guests and vehicles subject to checks.The Marriott is located near government buildings and diplomatic missions. Security there is tight, with guests and vehicles subject to checks.
The hotel is popular with foreigners visiting Pakistan or members of the expat community, and has previously been the target of militants.The hotel is popular with foreigners visiting Pakistan or members of the expat community, and has previously been the target of militants.
Last year a suicide bomber killed himself and one other in an attack at the hotel.Last year a suicide bomber killed himself and one other in an attack at the hotel.
InsurgencyInsurgency
The bomb attack comes just hours after Pakistan's newly installed President, Asif Ali Zardari, said he would not allow Pakistan's territory to be violated by terrorists or foreign powers fighting them.The bomb attack comes just hours after Pakistan's newly installed President, Asif Ali Zardari, said he would not allow Pakistan's territory to be violated by terrorists or foreign powers fighting them.
In his first speech to MPs since he replaced Pervez Musharraf in August, he vowed instead to "root out terrorism and extremism wherever and whenever they may rear their ugly heads". Pakistan has been a key ally of the US in its "war on terror"In his first speech to MPs since he replaced Pervez Musharraf in August, he vowed instead to "root out terrorism and extremism wherever and whenever they may rear their ugly heads".
He was speaking in Islamabad, just several hundred metres to the east of the Marriott.He was speaking in Islamabad, just several hundred metres to the east of the Marriott.
Pakistan has been a key ally of the US in its "war on terror", but relations have become strained over tactics.Pakistan has been a key ally of the US in its "war on terror", but relations have become strained over tactics.
In recent months, Pakistan has voiced growing disquiet over US raids targeting militants in its territory, launched from neighbouring Afghanistan.In recent months, Pakistan has voiced growing disquiet over US raids targeting militants in its territory, launched from neighbouring Afghanistan.
Al-Qaeda and Taleban militants based in Pakistan's north-west tribal region have repeatedly carried out attacks across the border in Afghanistan.Al-Qaeda and Taleban militants based in Pakistan's north-west tribal region have repeatedly carried out attacks across the border in Afghanistan.
Militants have also carried out waves of attacks in Pakistan in recent years.Militants have also carried out waves of attacks in Pakistan in recent years.
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