This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-53656220
The article has changed 15 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Beirut blast: Explosion rocks city ahead of Hariri verdict | |
(32 minutes later) | |
A large blast has hit the Lebanese capital, Beirut, ahead of the verdict in a trial for the killing of ex-PM Rafik Hariri in 2005. | |
Reports say the explosion was in the port area of the city, with unconfirmed reports of a second blast. | |
Video showed a large mushroom cloud and extensive damage. | |
A UN tribunal is due to issue its verdict in the trial in absentia of four suspects in the murder by car bomb of Rafik Hariri. | |
All four are members of the Iranian-backed Hezbollah group, which has consistently denied any role in Hariri's death. | |
The possible second explosion was reported to be at the Hariri residence in the city. | |
Dozens have been injured, AFP news agency reports, quoting a security source. | |
The latest reports come amid political tension in Lebanon, with street demonstrations against the government's handling the worst economic crisis since the 1975-1990 civil war. |