BEIRUT, (Reuters) – A small bomb containing 200 grams (7 ounces) of explosives sent to Beirut’s General Security headquarters was defused on Friday after failing to explode because of a technical glitch, security sources said.
Bombs are rarely sent to government buildings although several explosive devices are defused or explode every week in Lebanon.
Tensions in Lebanon have dissipated after a Qatari-mediated deal in May last year dragged the country back from the brink of civil war. Before that Lebanon had suffered bouts of political killings, bombings and sectarian conflict since the 2005 assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri.
On Sunday the U.S.-backed coalition, led by politician Saad al-Hariri, won a parliamentary election against an alliance that includes Iranian-backed Hezbollah.
U.S. Special Middle East envoy George Mitchell is in Lebanon meeting with various officials before visiting Syria.
Asharq Al-Awsat
Asharq Al-Awsat is the world’s premier pan-Arab daily newspaper, printed simultaneously each day on four continents in 14 cities. Launched in London in 1978, Asharq Al-Awsat has established itself as the decisive publication on pan-Arab and international affairs, offering its readers in-depth analysis and exclusive editorials, as well as the most comprehensive coverage of the entire Arab world.
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