Eight Killed, 78 Injured in Beirut Bomb Explosion

Beirut bombing on October 19, 2012. The bombing killed eight people including the Lebanese security chief., a photo by Pan-African News Wire File Photos on Flickr.

Eight killed, 78 injured in Beirut bomb explosion

Fri Oct 19, 2012 2:33PM GMT
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At least eight people have been killed and more than 78 others injured in a bomb explosion in the Lebanese capital, Beirut, reports say.

According to Lebanese media, a car bomb caused the powerful explosion in Sassine Square, a busy part of Beirut's eastern Ashrafiya district. Ashrafiya is a predominantly Christian district.

The intended target is unclear. The explosion occurred near the headquarters of the the Phalange, a Maronite Christian party. Several buildings were damaged and many cars were set on fire as a result of the blast.

Meanwhile, Lebanon's Health Minister Ali Hassan Khalil has said that at least three people have been killed and 96 others injured in the blast, which took place during rush hour as parents were picking up their children from school.

The intelligence chief of Lebanon's Internal Security Forces, General Wissam al-Hassan, is reported to be among those killed in the explosion. He had recently dismantled an Israeli spy cell in Lebanon.

Lebanese protesters took to the streets shortly after the explosion to condemn Hassan's assassination.

Meanwhile, the government of Syria has issued a statement condemning the terrorist attack as a 'cowardly' move.

It is the first major bomb attack in Beirut since 2008. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet.

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati said the government was trying to identify the perpetrators and that they would be punished.


Iran condemns deadly bomb blast in Beirut

Fri Oct 19, 2012 7:13PM GMT
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Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi has offered his condolences over the bomb attack in the Lebanese capital of Beirut, which killed at least eight people and injured scores of others.

In a telephone conversation with Lebanese Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour, Salehi emphasized that enemies seek to increase insecurity in the region and achieve their ill intentions.

The Iranian foreign minister underlined the importance of unity among all groups and maintaining caution in the current sensitive situation of the region.

Mansour, for his part, thanked Salehi and stressed the importance of consultations between the two countries with the aim of consolidating regional stability and security.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast also condemned the blast saying that the attack aimed to sow discord among different currents and social classes in Lebanon.

He emphasized the necessity of identifying agents behind the attack and called on the Lebanese people, groups and parties to maintain their vigilance and national unity.

A deadly car bomb blast in Beirut's eastern Ashrafiya district killed at least eight people, injured scores of others, and damaged buildings.

The intelligence chief of Lebanon's Internal Security Forces, General Wissam al-Hassan, was also among those killed in the blast. Lebanese protesters took to the streets shortly after the explosion to condemn Hassan's assassination.

The blast was the first major bomb attack in Beirut since 2008. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati said the government was trying to identify the perpetrators and that they would be punished.


Hezbollah condemns deadly Beirut car bomb attack

Fri Oct 19, 2012 7:37PM GMT

Lebanon’s resistance movement Hezbollah has condemned the deadly car bomb attack in the capital, which killed at least eight people and injured scores of others.

Hezbollah also called on Lebanese to stand united and urged an investigation into the Friday explosion. The Syrian government has also issued a statement condemning the terrorist attack as a 'cowardly' move.

The intelligence chief of Lebanon's Internal Security Forces, General Wissam al-Hassan, is reported to be among those killed in the blast. He had recently uncovered an Israeli spy cell in Lebanon.

Lebanese protesters took to the streets shortly after the explosion to condemn Hassan's assassination.

The explosion occurred in Beirut's eastern Ashrafiya district, which is a predominantly Christian district, and near the headquarters of the the Phalange, a Maronite Christian party, during the rush hour as parents were picking up their children from school. Several building were damaged and many cars were set on fire as a result of the blast.

It was the first major bomb attack in Beirut since 2008. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati said the government was trying to identify the perpetrators and that they would be punished.

Former Lebanese Prime Minister Sa’ad al-Hariri, leader of Lebanon's Druze community Walid Jumballat and Samir Gaegae have accused the Syrian government of being behind the deadly car bomb attack in Beirut.