2015-11-13 10:38:00

Islamic State claims responsibility for Beirut blasts


(Vatican Radio) At least 43 people were killed and more than 240 wounded on Thursday in two suicide bomb blasts claimed by Islamic State in a crowded residential district in Beirut's southern suburbs. The area is a stronghold of the Shi'ite Muslim group Hezbollah.

The blasts occurred almost simultaneously during rush hour and struck a Shi'ite community centre and a nearby bakery, security sources said.

Islamic State took responsibility for the attack in a statement posted online. It claimed the explosives were delivered by a motorbike. Hezbollah has responded by vowing to continue its fight against "terrorists", warning of a "long war" against its enemies.

Interior Minister Nouhad Machnouk said a third suicide bomber had been killed by one of the explosions before he could detonate his own bomb.

The war in Syria, with which Lebanon shares a 300 km border, has ignited sectarian strife in the multi-confessional country, leading to bombings and fighting between supporters of the opposing sides in both countries.

Listen to Nathan Morley's report:

 








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