At least 23 people have been killed and many others injured in explosions at international hotels in the Jordanian capital Amman, security officials say.

The Grand Hyatt hotel, Radisson and Days Inn hotels were all hit in near-simultaneous blasts. Police say they suspect the attacks were carried out by suicide bombers.

Jordan, a key US ally in the Middle East, has long been regarded as a prime target for attacks by radical Islamic militants. The device apparently went off in the lobby.

A favourite with businessmen and Westerners, the hotel was packed when the device there went off.

Windows were blown out by the blast, and several people were badly wounded. There was very little security apparent at the hotel prior to the blast.
sections: Accidents