Hundreds of angry Jordanians rallied Thursday outside one of three U.S.-based hotels attacked by suicide bombers, shouting, “Burn in hell, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi!” after the terrorist’s group claimed responsibility for the blasts that killed at least 56 people.
At least one American was killed and two were wounded, the U.S. Embassy said.
One of the bombers spoke with an Iraqi accent, a top security official said. The middle-aged man was stopped by suspicious Grand Hyatt hotel security before detonating explosives hidden under his suit, the official said.
Authorities also reported arresting a number of Iraqis as security forces scrambled to capture anyone involved in the attacks at the Grand Hyatt, Radisson SAS and Days Inn hotels before they could flee the country. Police continued a broad security lockdown, and authorities sent DNA samples to identify the attackers.
About 50 Jordanians, including children carrying small flags, placed burning candles on a sand memorial in the driveway of the Grand Hyatt as darkness fell.
The Amman protest was organized by Jordan’s 14 professional and trade unions–made up of both hard-line Islamic groups and leftist political organizations–traditional critics of King Abdullah II’s moderate, pro-Western policies.
Protesters shouted, “Death to al-Zarqawi, the villain and the traitor!” Honking vehicles were decorated with Jordanian flags and posters of the king. A helicopter hovered overhead.
“We sacrifice our lives for you, Amman!” the protesters chanted.
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Compiled from news services and edited by Patrick Olsen (polsen@tribune.com) and alBerto Trevino (atrevino@tribune.com)
