An explosion targeting a US embassy vehicle in Lebanon leaves 4 dead and at least 16 wounded

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Story Transcript

ZAA NKWETA, PRESENTER/PRODUCER: There are four dead and at least 16 wounded after an explosion targeted a US embassy vehicle in Lebanon. A US State Department spokesman said two local embassy employees, including the driver, were in a vehicle damaged in the blast, and the driver suffered light injuries. The attack happened in the predominantly Christian Dora [inaudible] neighborhood. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

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SEAN MCCORMACK, US STATE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN: We have people on scene right now who are going through and continuing to do the investigation, collect information, collect evidence. So we don’t yet have a full picture of exactly what happened, who is responsible, who is exactly being targeted.

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Washington, DC
January 15, 2008

The New York Times reports that Beirut has suffered a string of recent car bomb attacks. Most have been targeted at local politicians, and attacks on foreigners are rare. The Guardian states, “Today’s blast comes amid a deepening political crisis in Lebanon, with rival parties deadlocked over efforts to find a replacement for the former pro-Syrian head of state, Emile Lahoud. The country is set to hold a 12th parliamentary session aimed at electing a president on January 21 after numerous delays.”

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