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At Least Eight Dead In Jakarta Blast


Sept 9 (NCA) -- A powerful bomb exploded today outside the Australian embassy in Indonesia's capital Jakarta, killing at least eight people and injuring about 160.

Three policemen were reportedly killed in the blast. No foreigners were listed among the wounded. No one inside the embassy was hurt.

Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer described the explosion as a possible terrorist attack directed against Australia, and said he suspected a group that has staged a string of deadly attacks in Indonesia.

"We don't know who was responsible for the explosion," he said. "It could take a bit of time to establish that, as is often the case. Naturally, our suspicions turn to Jemaah Islamiyah."

Jakarta's police chief says the blast was caused by a car bomb. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack.

In recent weeks, the Australian and U.S. embassies have warned of possible attacks in Indonesia by Islamic militants.

(compiled from wire reports)

For the latest news on the U.S.-led War on Terror, see RFE/RL's webpage on "The War on Terror".
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