Beirut blast: Five dead as powerful explosion in Lebanon hits Hezbollah ‘stronghold’
The bombs are seen as a result of the spilling over of sectarian conflict from neighbouring Syria.
Lebanon’s health ministry confirmed the death toll as security officials said a car bomb appeared to have been used
Initial reports suggested a car bomb had been detonated during rush hour in the southern Haret Hreik suburb, described as a “stronghold” for the Shiite Hezbollah group.
Images broadcast on Hezbollah’s Al-Manar TV channel showed a huge column of smoke rising from the site of the blast, and several cars still on fire.
A spokesperson for Lebanon’s health ministry confirmed the death toll, and a security official said the attack appeared to have involved a car bomb.
The front of at least one building was completely blown off in the explosion, and several surrounding structures were damaged.
The Lebanese capital has suffered a number of bombings in recent months, including one last week which killed Mohamad Chatah, formerly Lebanon’s finance minister and ambassador to the US.
The bombs are seen as a result of the spilling over of sectarian conflict from neighbouring Syria.