We report the results of X–ray ( 2–10 keV ) observations of the giant molecular clouds Sgr B , Sgr C and Sgr D in the Galactic Center region , together with the discovery of the point-like source SAX J1748.2–2808 .
The data have been obtained with the MECS instrument on the BeppoSAX satellite .
The core of Sgr B2 has an X–ray luminosity of \sim 6 \times 10 ^ { 34 } erg s ^ { -1 } and its spectrum is characterized by a strong Fe emission line at \sim 6.5 keV with an equivalent width of 2 keV .
Faint diffuse X–ray emission is detected from Sgr C and from the SNR G1.05–0.15 ( Sgr D ) .
A new , unresolved source with a strong Fe line has been discovered in the Sgr D region .
This source , SAX J1748.2–2808 , is probably associated with a SiO and OH maser source at the Galactic Center distance .
If so , its luminosity is 10 ^ { 34 } erg s ^ { -1 } .
We propose that the X–ray emission from SAX J1748.2–2808 is produced either by protostars or by a giant molecular cloud core .
Emission from sources similar to SAX J1748.2–2808 could have an impact on the expected contribution on the observed Fe line emission from the Galactic ridge .