108 killed in Pakistan assignation attempt

AP:

Two bombs exploded Thursday night near a truck carrying former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto on her triumphant return to Pakistan after eight years in exile, killing at least 108 people and wounding 150, an official said. Party workers and police said Bhutto was unhurt.

Associated Press photographer B.K. Bangash at the scene said he saw between 50 and 60 dead or badly injured people. He said some of the bodies were ripped apart.

An initial small explosion was followed by a huge blast just feet from the front of the truck carrying Bhutto during a procession through Karachi. The blast shattered windows in her vehicle and set a police escort vehicle on fire.

Those traveling atop the truck with Bhutto climbed down, with one man jumping off while others climbed down.

Bhutto, who is expected to seek the premiership for an unprecedented third time and partner in ruling Pakistan with U.S.-backed President Gen. Pervez Musharraf, was safe, said her lawyer, Sen. Babar Awan.

Police Chief Azhar Farooqi told Dawn News that Bhutto was rushed from the area under contingency plans.

"She was evacuated very safely and is now in Bilawal House," Farooqi said, referring to Bhutto's residence in Karachi.

....

We can probably eliminate the Syrians since they are usually much more proficient at these sort of assignations. My guess al Qaeda and the Taliban felt most threatened by her return and were probably most eager to murder her and anyone close to her. I think she can expect more attempts just as Musharraf does until they destroy the Taliban and al Qaeda infestation in Pakistan.

CNN reports security on the route taken by Bhutto was relatively light. A car bomb on the route killed several of her supporters. Watch ambulances and fires raging at the chaotic scene »

The BBC in contrast to CNN reports a "huge security presence." Obviously it was not enough.

The Washington Post says "Witnesses also reported hearing three gunshots after the blasts, and three indentations were later found in the bulletproof enclosure on Bhutto's vehicle."

MSNBC reports that al Qaeda attempted to kill Bhutto in 1993.

The Guardian reports that "She has an agreement with American. We will carry out attacks on Benazir Bhutto as we did on General Pervez Musharraf," Taliban commander Haji Omar said yesterday.