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Bomb Hits Central Beirut, Interior Minister Says Target Was BLOM Bank | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Media ID: 55352501
Caption:

Picture shows the scene of the explosion in the Lebanese capital Beirut, in Verdun, next to BLOM bank.


An explosion hit central Beirut on Sunday evening, 6/12/2016, nearby Verdun branch of the Lebanese BlOM Bank, causing damage to the building.

The place where the explosion happened is considered an upscale commercial and residential street in the area, a major shopping center which was named in honor of the Battle of Verdun during World War I.

The cause of the blast was not immediately clear; however smoke was seen rising from the area following a loud blow.

According to the Lebanese Interior Minister, Nohad Machnouk, the headquarters of Lebanon’s BLOM Bank was the target of the bomb, which was placed in bag by wall of the building.

A security source said the bomb was made with 2 kilograms (4.4 lb) of explosives.

“Politically it is clear that target was Blom Bank only,” said Machnouk, adding that the attack had nothing to do with ISIS, which has mounted suicide bombings in Beirut.

Machnouk said initial reports indicated there had been no fatalities. However, two security agents were slightly injured by glass ruins and one of them was immediately transferred to the American University of Beirut Medical Center, noting that both men are currently in good condition.