Bomb at Lebanese bus stop—18 dead, 45 wounded
Washington, 13 August (IranVNC)—In the deadliest attack on military forces since the onset of Lebanon’s battle with Islamist militants last year, a bomb at a bus stop in the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli killed at least 18 people today, nine of whom were soldiers, according to security sources, Reuters reports.
By: IranVNC
Published: Wednesday, August 13, 2008
11:23GMT—7:23AM/EST
LEBANON – TERROISM – BOMB – SYRIA
Washington, 13 August (IranVNC)—In the deadliest attack on military forces since the onset of Lebanon’s battle with Islamist militants last year, a bomb at a bus stop in the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli killed at least 18 people today, nine of whom were soldiers, according to security sources, Reuters reports.
The army denounced the attack as a “terrorist bombing”, and said the bomb was placed in a bag at a bus stop, where military personnel commonly gather, and exploded at 7:45 a.m. The blast also wounded at least 45 people.
“The army and security forces will not yield to attempts to terrorize them with attacks and crimes,” said Lebanese President Michel Suleiman, who was the army chief until he took office in May.
The blast occurred hours before Suleiman was scheduled to leave to Syria for landmark talks with President Bashar al-Assad aimed at improving diplomatic relations between the countries.
Syria’s Foreign Ministry called the attack a “criminal act” and offered support for Lebanon “in the face of all those who manipulate its security and stability,” AFP reports.
Damascus and Beirut have not had formal diplomatic relations since Lebanon declared its independence from France over 60 years ago, but Suleiman vowed to reestablish ties last month in Paris, according to AFP.
Sources: Agence France-Presse, Reuters
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