At least two people have been killed in two bomb explosions near the American consulate in the southern Pakistani city of Karachi.
Two near-simultaneous blasts took place in the parking lot of the Marriott hotel which is located next to the US consulate in a high-security zone.
Ten cars have been completely destroyed and several more are on fire.
The explosion comes just days ahead of a visit to Pakistan by US President George W Bush.
Several people have been rushed to hospital after being injured in the attack.
The blasts took place in the rear of the Marriott hotel.
The BBC's Aamer Ahmed Khan says most people use the rear entrance of the hotel since the road in front of the hotel is part of a high-security zone because of the presence of the US consulate next door.
President Bush, who is currently on a visit to India, is due to arrive in Pakistan on Saturday. He will however, not visit Karachi but spend the day in the capital, Islamabad.
(BBC)
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