Israel Matzav

Car bomb explodes in southern Beirut, casualties in Hezbullah stronghold

A car bomb exploded on Tuesday morning in a southern suburb of Beirut which is known to be populated by Hezbullah supporters. Some reports indicate that several people have been killed. This is from the first link.

Al-Manar said the blast went off near Islamic Cooperation Center in the area of Bir al-Abed.

The TV station added that only five people were injured in the explosion.

But the state-run National News Agency said the blast caused deaths although it did not specify the number.

TV footage showed black smoke billowing into the sky and firefighters rushing to the area to douse a fire that erupted after the blast.

The footage also showed dozens of vehicles going up in flames.

And from the second link:

Ambulances and fire trucks rushed to the scene of the blast site in Bir al-Abed and plumes of thick smoke could be seen miles away.

At least a dozen vehicles in a parking lot were set on fire as residents rushed to rescue the wounded and clear the debris.

Witness, speaking on condition of anonymity, said there were casualties and that the blast had led to severe material damage in the neighborhood.

Labels: Beirut, Hezbullah, Lebanon

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 1:06 PM