Beirut Blast Kills Top Official

	Beirut Blast Kills Top Official A senior Lebanese intelligence official was among at least eight people killed in a massive car bomb attack in central Beirut, state media say. Wissam al-Hassan was said to be close to opposition leader Saad Hariri, a leading critic of the government in neighbouring Syria. No group has claimed Friday's attack, which was condemned by Damascus. Dozens of people were injured. Tensions in Lebanon have been rising as a result of the Syrian conflict. Friday's attack was the deadliest in Beirut since 2008. It occurred in the mainly Christian district of Ashrafiya, in a busy street close to the headquarters of the Mr Hariri's 14 March coalition.Some 14 March politicians have accused the Syrian government of being behind the bombing. However Syrian Information Minister Omran al-Zoubi called it a "cowardly terrorist act". Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati said the government was trying to identify the perpetrators and said they would be punished.	From: Anu Pillai Views: 0 0 ratings
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