Series of powerful explosions rock Peshawar near the U.S. Consulate; at least one dead

April 5th, 2010 - 3:59 pm ICT by BNO News  

PESHAWAR, PAKISTAN (BNO NEWS) — A series of large explosions rocked the city of Peshawar in northwest Pakistan on Monday, reports said, killing at least one person and injuring several others.

At least three explosions, and as many as five, happened in quick succession in the Saddar area of Pashawar. Dawn News reported that the first two explosions hit security checkpoints near the U.S. Consulate on Khyber Road, causing damage to the front of the building. After the explosions, which are believed to have been caused by car bombs, militants opened fire on security forces.

Clouds of gray smoke was seen rising above the city as intense gunfire continued for at least 20 minutes after the first blast. Express News reported that security forces were involved in a shootout with militants.

An emergency has been declared at all hospitals throughout the city. Express News reported that at least one person had been killed, while eight others were injured. The toll is expected to rise.

The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad declined to comment on the attacks, which appear to have targeted the U.S. Consulate.

The blasts in Peshawar follow an earlier suicide bombing in Timergara, also in northwest Pakistan. That explosion, which happened during an Awami National Party (ANP) rally, killed at least 25 people and injured more than 100 others.

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