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Terrorists Attack Jordan's Capital

A series of explosions ripped through three hotels in Amman, the capital city of Jordan, last Wednesday. At least 57 people were killed and more than 100 were hurt.

The explosions hit hotels that are popular with foreign diplomats, government officials and journalists, including many Americans. One of the bombs was detonated inside a large reception hall where 300 guests were celebrating a wedding. "We thought it was fireworks for the wedding, but I saw people falling to the ground," said one wedding guest at the Radisson SAS hotel, where the most people were killed.

Soon after the attacks, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the leader of the terrorist group al-Qaeda in Iraq, claimed responsibility for the violence. Al-Qaeda is the group responsible for the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States.

World leaders, including President George W. Bush, have condemned the attacks. The White House has offered to help in the investigation of the bombings. "[The U.S. and Jordan] will stand together, unwavering, to defeat the evil that threatens our people and way of life," said U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

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