More dead after Bhutto's assassination

Pakistan government officials claim at least 23 people have died in the aftermath of Bhutto's assassination. U.S. intelligence offices are looking into claims that Al-Qaida was behind the attack.

Friday, December 28th 2007, 11:31 am

By: News 9

Associated Press and NEWS 9

KARACHI, Pakistan -- The death toll has risen to 23 people in Pakistan following the assassination of former Pakistan prime minster Benazir Bhutto, said Pakistan government officials.

A government security official says the army has been called in to help keep order in several cities in southern Pakistan where rioting broke out over the assassination.

Earlier, an army spokesman said troops were put on alert in four cities as a precaution, but were not yet patrolling the streets.

Rioters trashed banks, torched train stations and shot it out with police.

Homeland Security officials said Al-Qaida claims to be behind the attack. Islamist Web sites allegedly maintain it was Al-Qaida's number two leader Ayman al-Zawahri who hatched the plot.

The FBI is reviewing the claims for any intelligence value, but has not determined whether they are valid.