Bomb Attack on Bhutto Kills at Least 130

A bomb attack on Benazir Bhutto, former prime minister of Pakistan, took place in Karachi right after midnight yesterday. At least 130 people were killed and about 400 wounded.

As the blasts occurred right after Bhutto’s arrival in Pakistan, ending her eight years in exile, the Pakistani government is expected to experience serious chaos. The terror attack might also affect negotiations between the former minister and Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, who are trying to share power.

Bhutto’s truck was surrounded by huge crowds of perhaps 250,000 or more. Though the bombs exploded near the truck where Bhutto had been, she was saved when she climbed inside the vehicle before the blasts occurred.

Witnesses said, “Huge explosions occurred along with small explosions.” Local police suspect that the bomb attack was conducted by a suicide bomber who threw grenades into the crowd as well.

Islamic militants including Al Qaeda and the Taliban are suspects because they threatened to assassinate Bhutto on her return to Pakistan.

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