Former Lebanese prime minister Rafic Hariri killed in a large blast in Beirut
Lebanon, Politics, 2/14/2005

Lebanese "Future TV" today announced the killing of the former Lebanese prime minister Rafic Hariri in an explosion in Beirut.

A booby trapped car went off in the hotels quarters to the west of the Lebanese capital Beirut and this resulted in the killing of the former Lebanese prime minister Rafic Hariri and several others were killed or injured while great damage was inflicted in adjoining buildings for the site of the explosion. Chief editor of the Lebanese daily al-Deyar said that the victims of the explosion are scores.

Scenes screened by the Lebanese TV stations showed burnt bodies and burning cars and large destruction in the area.

Police and eye witnesses sources said that at least 6 persons were killed including guards escorting the former Lebanese prime minister Rafic Hariri.

Preliminary information say that the explosion took place in front of the British HSBC bank which was totally burnt and made damages in the facing of Saint George hotel while windows of adjoining hotels were broken.

The Lebanese army cordoned the area and the ambulances hurried to the area whose skies were covered by black smoke. So far the side responsible for the attack was not recognized. Remarks by certain media sources are accusing groups described as extremists.

Worthy mentioning that this is not the first time in which Lebanon witnesses explosions, but this time comes amid political tension circumstances between those supporting Syria and those standing against it.

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