40 Dead, 250 Hurt In Bomb Blast At Pakistan Marriott

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP) — A top Pakistani official says “terrorism” devastated the Marriott hotel in Islamabad on Saturday evening.

At least 40 people were killed and 250 wounded when a massive suicide truck bomb detonated. But the death toll is expected to climb.

The head of Pakistan’s Interior Ministry says authorities had received intelligence there might be militant activity due to the new president’s inaugural address. He says security had been tightened.

There’s been no immediate claim of responsibility for the blast.

The United States has strongly condemned the attack. A National Security Council spokesman says the bombing “is a reminder of the threat we all face.” Gordon Johndroe says “the United States will stand with Pakistan’s democratically elected government as they confront this challenge.”