Jakarta attacks in busy area filled with Western brands

Smoke billows from an explosion in Jakarta, Indonesia, Thursday, Jan. 14, 2016. Suicide bombers exploded themselves in downtown Jakarta on Thursday while gunmen attacked a police post nearby, a witness told The Associated Press. Local television reported more explosions in other parts of the city. (Christian Hubel via AP)

Smoke billows from an explosion in Jakarta, Indonesia, Thursday, Jan. 14, 2016. Suicide bombers exploded themselves in downtown Jakarta on Thursday while gunmen attacked a police post nearby, a witness told The Associated Press. Local television reported more explosions in other parts of the city. (Christian Hubel via AP)

JAKARTA, Indonesia— Thursday’s deadly attacks in Jakarta were focused on a Starbucks in the center of the Indonesian capital, in an area filled with offices and Western brands.

The attacks took place on Thamrin Street, a major thoroughfare in central Jakarta. The Istana Negara presidential palace is about 2 kilometers up the road.

READ: At least 7 killed as suicide bombers attack Starbucks in Jakarta

Some of the explosions happened across from Sarinah department store, one of the first department stores in Jakarta. In the same shopping plaza is a McDonalds and other Western-style restaurants. The shopping center is popular among Indonesians and foreigners alike.

The Starbucks, across the street and on a corner, is in front of Jakarta Theater, a Pizza Hut and an office building. The Pan-Pacific Hotel is also on the same block. Across the street is the United Nations office, and not much further up the block are government offices.

READ: Starbucks says customer hurt, workers safe; Jakarta stores closed

RELATED VIDEOS

Read more...