Explosions rock Jordanian hotels

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Explosions rock Jordanian hotels

It was feared US ally Jordan would be attacked
At least 18 people have been killed and many more injured in explosions at international hotels in the Jordanian capital, Amman, police say.
One blast rocked the Grand Hyatt hotel, another the nearby Radisson hotel. Reports say a third hotel, the Days Inn, was also hit.

The BBC's Caroline Hawley, who was staying at the Grand Hyatt, said windows were blown out by the blast.

Jordan, a key regional US ally, has been a target for militant attacks.

The Hyatt, a favourite with businessmen and Westerners, was packed when the device there went off.
'Little security'

Our correspondent says she saw several badly wounded people, and that ambulances were quickly on the scene.


There was very little security apparent at the hotel prior to the blast, she adds.

Reuters news agency says the Radisson blast was caused by a bomb placed in a false ceiling.

The explosion ripped through a banqueting room where about 250 people were attending a wedding reception.

"The attacks carry the trademark of al-Qaeda," one policeman said.