Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Suicide bombers kill four near Beirut's Kuwaiti Embassy and Iran cultural centre

 

Bassem Mroue
Wednesday 19 February 2014 04:40 EST
Comments
Civil defence members and civilians attempt to extinguish the fire at the site of the blast
Civil defence members and civilians attempt to extinguish the fire at the site of the blast (Reuters)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A blast in a Shiite district in southern Beirut on Wednesday killed at least six people, including the two suicide bombers, security officials said — the latest apparent attack linked to the civil war in neighboring Syria.

An Associated Press photographer in the area said he heard two explosions near the Kuwaiti Embassy and Iran's cultural centre. Fire engines and ambulances rushed to the area and were seen evacuating some of the wounded in stretchers. Soldiers also deployed and cordoned the area.

Officials said another six people were wounded. They spoke anonymously as they were not authorized to talk to the press.

A wave of bombings linked to the war in neighboring Syria has struck Lebanon over the past few months, killing and wounding scores of people. Many have hit Shiite areas.

One of the deadliest attacks occurred in November when two suicide attackers blew themselves outside the Iranian Embassy in Beirut, killing 23 people and wounded dozens.

Wednesday's explosion in the Beir Hassan area was few hundred metres from the Iranian embassy.

Iran is a major backer of Hezbollah, a Lebanese Shiite militia. Both are allies with Syrian President Bashar Assad.

Syrian rebels have vowed to strike against Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon in retaliation for its participation in the war.

AP

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in