Bomb attack strikes U.S. Consulate vehicles in Pakistan

Bomb attack strikes U.S. Consulate vehicles in Pakistan

2011-05-20 19:16:20 GMT+7 (ICT)

ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN (BNO NEWS) -- A roadside bomb on Friday struck a vehicle belonging to the U.S. Consulate in Pakistan, killing at least one person and injuring several others, the U.S. Embassy in Pakistan said.

The attack occurred at around 8:25 a.m. local time on the University road in Peshawar, located in Pakistan's northern province of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, when two U.S. Consulate vehicles passing by were hit by an improvised explosive device (IED) with around 50 kilograms (110 pounds) of explosives.

The heavy explosive device damaged the vehicle and injured two Americans who were on their way to work. They were taken to the U.S. Consulate instead of a hospital, local media reported, while SSP Operation Ijaz Ahmed Khan said the consequences of the explosion could have been much more serious, but the timing of the detonation was probably off.

At least one bystander was killed and ten others were injured, but no high-ranking official was riding in either of the two U.S. vehicles.

The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan claimed responsibility of the bomb attack, as the terrorist group's spokesman said they were targeting diplomatic staff of all NATO countries.

"We appreciate the support of Pakistani authorities, who responded immediately and are investigating the incident," the U.S. Embassy said. "Our thoughts are with all those injured by this heinous attack."

"The United States is committed to working with Pakistan in our joint effort to combat terrorism and to bring to justice those behind this attack."

The attack also marks the first against the U.S. since American special forces were able to kill al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden on May 2 in Abbottabad, Pakistan.

The first major attack in revenge of Osama's death occurred on May 13 when twin suicide blasts at a Frontier Constabulary training camp in the Shabqadar area of Charsadda, Pakistan killed at least 87 people and injured over 100 others.

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