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 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20006389
The article has changed 8 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 4 | Version 5 |
---|---|
Lebanon blast: Car bombing in Beirut kills eight | Lebanon blast: Car bombing in Beirut kills eight |
(35 minutes later) | |
A huge car bomb has killed at least eight people and injured 78 in central Beirut, Lebanese officials say. | |
The explosion occurred in a busy street in the predominantly Christian district of Ashrafiya. | |
Witnesses say it was heard several kilometres away. It is the deadliest attack in Beirut since 2008. | |
No group has said it carried out the bombing. The intended target is unclear. Tensions in Lebanon have been rising over the conflict in Syria. | |
Friday's attack took place near Sassine Square, at a time when many parents were picking up children from school. | |
There were chaotic scenes as emergency vehicles rushed to the area. | |
Nearby hospitals are calling for people to donate blood to help treat the wounded. | |
'Cowardly act' | |
Sassine Square is in the heart of east Beirut's Ashrafiya district. It is a trendy area of shops and cafes, close to the popular ABC shopping mall. | Sassine Square is in the heart of east Beirut's Ashrafiya district. It is a trendy area of shops and cafes, close to the popular ABC shopping mall. |
The American University of Science and Technology is just down the road and a number of Lebanon's major banks have offices there. It is a predominately Christian area, but a whole spectrum of Lebanese visit Sassine to drink coffee in the pavement cafes, people-watch at ABC and eat at the local fast-food restaurants. | The American University of Science and Technology is just down the road and a number of Lebanon's major banks have offices there. It is a predominately Christian area, but a whole spectrum of Lebanese visit Sassine to drink coffee in the pavement cafes, people-watch at ABC and eat at the local fast-food restaurants. |
On a Friday afternoon, it is likely to have been full of cars and people. Ashrafiya is not an area prone to flare-ups of violence or political tension, although the offices of the March 14 opposition alliance and Christian Kataeb (Phalange) party are close by. | On a Friday afternoon, it is likely to have been full of cars and people. Ashrafiya is not an area prone to flare-ups of violence or political tension, although the offices of the March 14 opposition alliance and Christian Kataeb (Phalange) party are close by. |
This car-bomb attack, targeting a normally peaceful square in broad daylight, is bound to spread fear of a return to violence after four years of relative calm. | This car-bomb attack, targeting a normally peaceful square in broad daylight, is bound to spread fear of a return to violence after four years of relative calm. |
The blast caused considerable damage, setting cars ablaze and destroying the facades of nearby buildings. | The blast caused considerable damage, setting cars ablaze and destroying the facades of nearby buildings. |
Ronnie Chatah, who lives 500m from the site of the blast, told the BBC: "The building shook and it echoed throughout the neighbourhood." | Ronnie Chatah, who lives 500m from the site of the blast, told the BBC: "The building shook and it echoed throughout the neighbourhood." |
The BBC's Wyre Davies in Beirut says that although the attack comes after a long period of relative calm in the city, many residents had feared something like this would happen and that Lebanon would be inevitably dragged into the conflict in Syria. | |
Syrian Information Minister Omran al-Zoubi called it a "cowardly terrorist act". | |
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati said the government was trying to identify the perpetrators and said they would be punished. | |
The attack occurred close to the headquarters of the Kataeb, better known as the Phalange, a Maronite Christian group. | |
The general secretariat of the Western-backed 14 March coalition of former Prime Minister Saad Hariri is also based in the area. | The general secretariat of the Western-backed 14 March coalition of former Prime Minister Saad Hariri is also based in the area. |
An MP from the alliance, Michel Pharaon, told al-Jazeera TV: "I think Ashrafiya is a target, and 14 March is a target. This region is symbolic because it is in the heart of the capital and it is a Christian neighbourhood." | An MP from the alliance, Michel Pharaon, told al-Jazeera TV: "I think Ashrafiya is a target, and 14 March is a target. This region is symbolic because it is in the heart of the capital and it is a Christian neighbourhood." |
Some 14 March politicians have specifically accused the Syrian government of being behind the bombing. | |
Are you in Beirut? Did you see what happened? Please share your experiences with us. | Are you in Beirut? Did you see what happened? Please share your experiences with us. |
Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here. | Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here. |
Read the terms and conditions | Read the terms and conditions |