Suicide Bomber Targets U.s. Government Vehicle In Pakistan, Killing 2

[News_Editor]

Suicide bomber targets U.S. government vehicle in Pakistan, killing 2 < br />

2012-09-04 10:42:42 GMT+7 (ICT)

ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN (BNO NEWS) -- A suicide bomber rammed his explosives-laden vehicle into a U.S. government vehicle in the northwestern Pakistani city of Peshawar on Monday morning, killing two Pakistani nationals and wounding more than a dozen others, officials said.

The attack happened on Abdara Road in the University Town area of Peshawar when the suicide bomber crashed into the SUV of the U.S. Consulate which is located nearby. Journalists at the scene reported seeing burned U.S. passports, but police and government officials said no Americans were killed.

"We can confirm that a vehicle belonging to the U.S. Consulate in Peshawar was hit in an apparent terrorist attack," said U.S. State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland. "Two U.S. personnel and two Pakistani staff of the Consulate were injured and are receiving medical treatment. No U.S. Consulate personnel were killed, but we are seeking further information about other victims of this heinous act."

Police said more than 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of explosives were used in the attack, which resulted in a large explosion and left a crater at the scene. Two Pakistani nationals, one identified as Swat resident Barkatullah Kahn, were confirmed to have been killed while nineteen others were injured and taken to area hospitals.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton strongly condemned Monday's attack during a press conference in Jakarta, Indonesia. "We pray for the safe recovery of both American and Pakistani victims and once again we deplore the cowardly act of suicide bombing and terrorism that has affected so many people around the world, and which we all must stand against," she said.

Meanwhile, Charge d'affaires Ambassador Richard Hoagland from the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad thanked local authorities for their quick response after the attack. "I am grateful for the humane professionalism of the local Pakistani security forces who saved the lives of the two American Diplomats and two Pakistani local staff of the U.S. Consulate General Peshawar by pulling them to safety after their vehicle was attacked," he said.

Hoagland added: "In this dangerous world where terrorists can strike at any moment, we must all work together - Pakistanis and Americans alike - because we have a strong mutual interest in defeating terrorism."

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari also strongly condemned the attack, calling it a "heinous crime" and saying the perpetrators would not be spared. "The President expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and prayed for the departed souls to rest in peace," his office said in a statement. "He directed best possible treatment for the injured."

Interior Minister Rehman Malik ordered an investigation into the attack, for which no group immediately claimed responsibility.

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