Lebanon: Strong explosion hits Hizballah stronghold in Beirut, killing at least 14
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 15 August 2013 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Lebanon: Strong explosion hits Hizballah stronghold in Beirut, killing at least 14, 15 August 2013, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/521f467c18.html [accessed 31 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Last updated (GMT/UTC): 15.08.2013 17:53
A destroyed car is seen at the site of an explosion in Beirut's southern suburbs on August 15.
Dozens of people have been reported killed or injured in a powerful blast in Beirut's southern suburbs.
The area is a stronghold of Lebanon's Shi'ite movement Hizballah, an ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
The Lebanese Army said the blast was caused by a car bomb.
The state-run news agency said at least 14 people were killed and more than 200 wounded.
Nearby buildings were severely damaged and cars destroyed.
A previously unknown Syrian rebel group claimed responsibility for the explosion in a video posted online.
Hizballah's intervention in the Syrian war in support of Assad has worsened sectarian tensions in Lebanon.
Lebanon's Sunni Muslims mostly support Sunni majority rebels in Syria, while Shi'a largely support Assad, whose Alawite sect is an offshoot of Shi'ite Islam.
Based on reporting by Reuters, AP, and dpa
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
