Blast hits Lebanese capital Beirut
LONDON. December 27. KAZINFORM A big explosion has rocked the Lebanese capital, Beirut, reports say. Black smoke is rising over the centre of the city near the Phoenicia Hotel, close to government offices and the parliament building.
The conflict in Syria has increased sectarian tensions in its smaller neighbour with several deadly attacks.
Lebanese Sunni Muslim fighters have joined forces with the mainly Sunni rebels in Syria. Some of the rebel groups are affiliated with al-Qaeda.
Syria's President Assad comes from the Alawite sect, a heterodox offshoot of Shia Islam.
The Lebanese Shia militant movement Hezbollah has sent fighters to Syria to back the government.
Iran, which backs Hezbollah, saw its embassy in Beirut attacked last month.
Source: BBC NEWS