Violence Erupts in Pakistan After Bhutto Placed Under House Arrest

The United States is urging Pakistan to end the house arrest of Benazir Bhutto.

Pakistani police have cordoned off the residence of former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and placed her under house arrest in a move to try and stop her from leading an anti-government rally against President Pervez Musharraf later today.

(ISLAMABAD, Pakistan) - Pakistani police have cordoned off the residence of former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and placed her under house arrest in a move to try and stop her from leading an anti-government rally against President Pervez Musharraf later today.

Police were deployed at Bhutto's residence along with steel, concrete, and barbed-wire barricades. Other personnel patrolled on motorcycles, horseback and in armored vehicles. At least 12 Bhutto supporters were arrested.

Bhutto told reporters via cell phone "If I'm arrested, the People's Party of Pakistan workers will continue to fight for democracy and the rule of law." She said that 5,000 members of her party have been detained over the past few days.

Bhutto's detention was temporary and meant to protect her from suicide bomb attacks, as well as stop her going to Rawalpindi Railways Minister and close Musharraf ally, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, told Reuters.

Story continues below

The Associated Press is reporting that the United States is urging Pakistan to end the house arrest of Bhutto as Pentagon leaders voiced concern that the political turmoil will undercut the Pakistani army's fight against insurgents along the Afghanistan border.

Salem-News.com will have more on this story as soon as it becomes available.