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BLOODY SUNDAY: 2 Americans Among 5 Killed in Church Attack
Monday, March 18, 2002
By Danica Kirka
Associated Press Writer

"He had a belt on with what looked as though it could have been homemade grenades," British aid worker Nic Parham said. "I seem to remember about four or five explosions."

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan -- AP
A grenade attack on a Protestant church packed with yesterday worshippers killed five people -- including an American woman and her daughter -- in an assault clearly aimed at Pakistan's foreign community.

No group claimed responsibility for the attack, in which at least one young man in black -- some witnesses said two -- ran through the center of the church hurling grenades. But suspicion fell on Islamic extremists.

Ten Americans were among the 45 people injured, most of whom were foreigners, police and hospitals said. One body remained unidentified late yesterday, and officials said it may be the assailant.

President Bush condemned the attack on the Protestant International Church and called it an act of terrorism. He pledged to find those responsible and bring them to justice.

Britain's Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said the assault was aimed at undermining Pakistan's pro-U.S. president at a time when he is trying to quell Islamic fundamentalism following the Taliban's fall in neighboring Afghanistan.

The attack occurred at 10:50 a.m. during a sermon before 60 to 70 worshippers. Dozens of police and soldiers rushed to the scene.
(More: Zwire.com -- The Trentonian -- News Source)
2002 © The Associated Press.

Dan