Police say a large bomb explosion at an upscale Western hotel in northwestern
Pakistan has killed at least five people and wounded 25 others.
The
late-night blast on Tuesday targeted the Pearl Continental Hotel in the city of
Peshawar. Television footage showed debris scattered on the street and
ambulances at the scene.
Witnesses say the blast ripped through the side
of hotel in the parking lot, but it is unclear if it was a car bomb. Dozens of
vehicles were destroyed.
Last September, suspected al-Qaida members
bombed the Marriott hotel in Islamabad, killing more than 50
people.
Officials say a series of bombings in recent weeks are
retaliation for an ongoing military offensive against Taliban militants in the
greater Swat Valley.
Pakistan says more than 1,300
militants and about 100 soldiers have been killed during the offensive in the
past several weeks.