Posted on 05/06/2005 2:27:07 PM PDT by Ernest_at_the_Beach
BEIRUT, Lebanon (AP) - An explosion ripped through a shopping area in the port city of Jounieh in the Christian heartland north of Beirut late Friday, reportedly killing at least one person on the eve of the return from exile of Lebanon's most prominent anti-Syrian politician.
Witnesses in Jounieh, 10 miles north of Beirut, said the explosion occurred near the main square of the picturesque town. The Lebanese Broadcasting Corp. said it took place near a Christian religious radio station at the entrance to the old souk, or market.
A Sri Lankan laborer died in the blast and at least two others were wounded, according to LBC. LBC and Future television earlier reported six wounded.
Police did not immediately comment on casualties from the blast, which started a fire in nearby shops.
Flames shot up from the first floor of a building above a dollar store whose shutters were blown out by the force of the explosion. Fire engines rushed to the scene, maneuvering their way through the narrow alleys of the old town, a mix of stone buildings housing shops and apartments on the Bay of Jounieh.
The evening explosion, which was heard as far away as the hills overlooking the Mediterranean coast, also shattered windows of apartments and cars in the historic area.
The explosion broke a lull of several weeks following a spate of bombings of commercial areas - shopping centers and an industrial zone. Bombings in March and early April killed three people and injured 24.
It also came ahead of the planned Saturday return of Michel Aoun, Lebanon's most prominent anti-Syrian politician, from 14 years of exile in France. His supporters, mainly Christians, have planned a big rally for him in downtown Beirut.
Lebanon has been in political turmoil since a massive bombing in the capital on Feb. 14 killed former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, the country's most famous politician, and 20 others.
Since then, mass anti-Syrian protests and intense international pressure forced Syria to withdraw its troops. Syrian forces completed their withdrawal April 26 and a new government was installed in Beirut last month.
The country also is to hold crucial parliamentary elections beginning May 29.
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***An explosion ripped through a shopping area in the port city of Jounieh in the Christian heartland north of Beirut late Friday.***
And the jihadis claim they are only fighting America and her allies, but not targeting Christians...
No surprise here. Prayers for the Lebanese.
Sounds like they're taking a real risk and targeting the heavily fortified - uh, wait a minute - make that women shopping in a budget store.
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