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Wednesday, August 04, 2010

Ahmadinejad escapes assassination attempt

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad escaped an assassination attempt in western Iran on Wednesday morning.
A conservative website says a handmade grenade has exploded near President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's convoy in western Iran.

The website, khabaronline.ir, says the blast took place Wednesday in Hamedan as Ahmadinejad was about to address a crowd. It says the president was unhurt. Ahmadinejad gave his speech as planned and it was broadcast live on state TV.

Officials could not immediately be reached to confirm the report of the attack.
No confirmation anyone was arrested either. Hmmmm.

UPDATE 2:01 PM

Iran has denied the story after confirming it (according to Israel Radio), even claiming that the explosions that were heard were 'fireworks' lit in joy over Ahmadinejad's arrival (Hat Tip: Memeorandum). There was also a report on Israel Radio that someone was arrested - no word on who.

UPDATE 2:12 PM

From ABC News' Jim Sciutto via Twitter:
Sources inside Iran tell me they're v. skeptical of the official version of attack on president, ie, fireworks
Color me skeptical too.

UPDATE 2:56 PM

Here's a picture of Ahmadinejad's motorcade - apparently just before the assassination attempt took place (Hat Tip: Jim Sciutto via Twitter).

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