12 killed in Lebanon bus blasts
Twelve people were killed today when explosions tore through two buses travelling near a mountain town north-east of Beirut, Lebanon’s state-run news agency said.
At least 10 others were wounded in the blasts.
The explosions come at a time of increased sectarian tensions in Lebanon, and one day before the second anniversary of the killing of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.
A mass rally had been planned for tomorrow in central Beirut to mark the anniversary of the assassination.
The 9.15am (local time) blast occurred on a road in Ein Alaq, just south of the town of Bikfaya in the province of northern Metn, 12 miles north-east of the Lebanese capital.
Television footage showed at least one bus totally destroyed and ambulances carrying away people. Troops in military uniforms and army buses were also at the scene.
Bikfaya is the ancestral home of the Gemayel family, a prominent political Christian family in Lebanon. Pierre Gemayel, a Cabinet member, was assassinated last November.
Appeals for urgent blood donations were broadcast as ambulances took casualties to hospitals in the region and in Beirut. The Voice Of Lebanon radio station said the targeted buses were taking people to work.
