Jump to content

2015 Beirut bombings

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by LJF2019 (talk | contribs) at 08:27, 15 November 2015. The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

2015 Beirut bombings
LocationBourj el-Barajneh, Beirut, Lebanon
Date12 November 2015
TargetShia civilians
Attack type
Suicide attacks
Deathsmore than 43
Injured200-240
PerpetratorsIslamic State of Iraq and the Levant[1]

On 12 November 2015, two suicide bombers detonated explosives in Bourj el-Barajneh, a southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, that is inhabited mostly by Shia Muslims and is controlled by Hezbollah.[2] Reports of the number of deaths range from 37[3] to 41[4][5] to 43.[2][1][6] ISIS claimed responsibility for the attacks.[1][2]

Background

Main articles: Syrian Civil War and Syrian Civil War spillover in Lebanon

Since 2011 the neighbouring country of Syria has been in a state of civil war. Shortly after its commencement, Lebanese groups have been divided along similar lines as in Syria, including participating in the war (such as like Hezbollah), as well as within Lebanon itself. In 2014, the United States-led military intervention in the Syria Civil War occurred and the following year the Russian military intervention in the Syrian Civil War took place.

Lebanon has also faced a political vacuum since a continual failure to elect a new president (which has been a requisite for a parliamentary election) since April 2014. This was also the first bombing in the country in over a year.[7]

A few days before the bombing, the media in Israel suggested that the Israel Defence Forces' Air Force bombed locations near Damascus.[8]

Bombings

Two suicide bombings occurred in commercial district of the southern suburban Beirut area of Bourj el-Barajneh near the General Security Post in Hussaineya street, according to al-Manar television,[9] an apparent known stronghold of the Shia Hezbollah.[10] The first bombing occurred outside a Shia mosque, while the second took place inside a nearby bakery before 18:00.[11] The second blast occurred about 20 metres away and five[9] to seven minutes after the first one as passers-by tried to help the injured of the initial blast. A potential third attacker was killed before exploding his vest. He was found dead with his legs torn off but still wearing an explosives belt, according to an unnamed Lebanese security official.[11] An unnamed government employee speculated that he was killed by the second explosion due to his proximity to that blast. Al Mayadeen also reported about the would-be bomber and showed a video of a bearded young man with an explosives belt. Hezbollah's Bilal Farhat said: "They targeted civilians, worshippers, unarmed people, women and elderly, they only targeted innocent people...[it was a] satanic, terrorist attack." Lebanese security forces and Hezbollah gunmen cordoned off the area.[7]

The Health Ministry reported at least 43 people initial deaths with Health Minister Wael Abu Faour adding that 239 people were injured,[12] but that the total casualty count was expected to rise due to some of the wounded people being in critical condition. Lebanon's International Red Cross and Red Crescent Society affiliate said that over 200 people were injured.Cite error: A <ref> tag is missing the closing </ref> (see the help page).

Victims

Amongst the initial casualties were two staff members of the American University of Beirut, according to the school, although no further details were announced.[7]

Hajj Hussein Yaari (Abu Murdata), a senior figure in the Hezbollah security system, was reportedly killed in the attack.[13]

Investigation

Within two days, six suspects were arrested over the bombing. They reportedly included five Syrians and a Palestinian.[14] Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, Lebanon's Hezbollah leader, said Syrian and Lebanese detainees were arrested on suspicion of being involved in the bombings.[15]

Perpetrator

The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant has claimed responsibility for the blasts.[1][2] On a Twitter post the group claimed one of the attacks noting that its agents blew up a bike with explosives in the middle of a street.[11] While not mentioning the third bomber, the group's claim read: "Let the Shiite apostates know that we will not rest until we take revenge in the name of the Prophet."[7] An internet statement further noted claimed the attackers of the "soldiers of the Caliphate" perpetrated the attack. "After the apostates gathered in the area, one of the knights of martyrdom detonated his explosive belt in the midst of them."[16]

Reactions

Domestic

Acting President and Prime Minister Tammam Salam declared a day of national mourning for 13 November.[11] He also said of the bombings that they were "unjustifiable," while also calling for unity against "plans to create strife" in the country and that officials should overcome their differences. Interior Minister Nouhad Machnouk echoed the condemnation and added that "we will not be lenient in apprehending those behind these attacks."[9]

Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc's Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah's assistant, Hussein Khalil, said: "What happened here is a crime...this battle against terrorists will continue and it is a long war between us."[17] Nasrallah himself later said that such incidents only increase "our determination to fight" in the Syrian Civil War and that the goal of the attack "is to put pressure on Hezbollah [to withdraw from Syria], but they know very well these bombings will not benefit them at all. This will have the opposite effect." He further noted: "Palestinians and Syrians were among the martyrs and wounded. This terrorism does not differentiate [between its victims]. If [Daesh] assume that killing our men and women and children and burning our markets could weaken our determination, then they are mistaken;" while adding that the arrests of two Palestinians and a Syrian over the attack were inaccurate and were intended to raise discord. He added his gratitude to the security forces and civilians who offered aid following the attack.[18]

International

Supranational bodies

States

  •  Czech Republic – The Foreign Ministry condemned the attack and expressed condolences to the families of victims.[19]
  •  France – The Foreign Ministry condemned the attack and issued a statement that read "France stands with the Lebanese people and authorities in their combat against terrorism."[20]
  •  Iran – The Foreign Ministry condemned the attacks and offered condolences to the government and the people of Lebanon.[7]
  •  Italy – Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni expressed Italy's support for Lebanon in the face of the "heinous terrorist act."[21]
  •  Kuwait – The Foreign Ministry issued a statement that read it "strongly condemns Beirut's terrorist blasts." An unnamed senior ministry source told KUNA that Kuwait "denounces the bombings and stands besides sisterly country of Lebanon and supports all measures it takes to maintain its security and stability."[22]
  •  Qatar – The Foreign Ministry issued a statement that read "these criminal acts are contrary to all human values, and would drag the region into chaos and instability, calling on all Lebanese political leaders to protect Lebanon and its people from the consequences of this criminal act that aims at igniting sedition and dragging Lebanon into chaos and violence circle."[23]
  •  United States of America – National Security Council Spokesman Ned Price issued a statement that offered its condolences to the victims' families and further noted: "Such acts of terror only reinforce our commitment to support the institutions of the Lebanese state, including the security services, to ensure a stable, sovereign, and secure Lebanon. The United States condemns in the strongest terms today's horrific terrorist attacks in Beirut..."[17][16]

Others

Amnesty International issues a censure saying that the attack revealed "appalling disregard for human life."[14]

References

  1. ^ a b c d "ISIS claims responsibility for Beirut southern suburb attack". Lebanon: The Daily Star. 13 November 2015. Retrieved 13 November 2015.
  2. ^ a b c d Barnard, Anne; Saad, Hwaida (12 November 2015). "ISIS Claims Responsibility for Blasts That Killed Dozens in Beirut". The New York Times Company. The New York Times. Retrieved 12 November 2015.
  3. ^ "Beirut attacks: Suicide bombers kill dozens in Shia suburb". BBC.
  4. ^ "Deadly suicide attack rocks southern Beirut". Al Jazeera.
  5. ^ Botelho, Greg. "Beirut suicide bombings kill 41; suspect claims ISIS sent attackers". CNN.
  6. ^ Al Jazeera and agencies (13 November 2015). "Day of mourning in Lebanon after deadly Beirut bombings". Al Jazeera Media Network. Retrieved 15 November 2015.
  7. ^ a b c d e f "43 killed, 239 wounded in Beirut twin blasts; Islamic State claims responsibility". First Post. 13 November 2015. Retrieved 13 November 2015.
  8. ^ http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2015/11/11/437260/Syria-Israel-Damacus-Daesh-ISIS
  9. ^ a b c "44 killed as Daesh bombings hit Beirut". PressTV. Retrieved 13 November 2015.
  10. ^ Naylor, Hugh (12 November 2015). "Islamic State says it carried out Beirut suicide bombings that killed dozens". The Washington Post. Retrieved 15 November 2015.
  11. ^ a b c d Cite error: The named reference rt was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  12. ^ Shareen, Kareem (13 November 2015). "Isis claims responsibility as suicide bombers kill dozens in Beirut". The Guardian. Retrieved 15 November 2015.
  13. ^ Yashar, Ari (13 November 2015). "ISIS bombing takes out senior Hezbollah leader". Arutz Sheva. Retrieved 13 November 2015.
  14. ^ a b http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2015/11/14/437639/Lebanon-Beirut-twin-blasts-Daesh-ISIS-Syria----
  15. ^ Bassam, Leila (14 November 2015). "Lebanon arrests five Syrians, one Palestinian suspect in Beirut bombings: security source". Thomson Reuters. Retrieved 15 November 2015.
  16. ^ a b c "Twin 'IS' blasts kill 41 in Beirut". 9 News. Retrieved 13 November 2015.
  17. ^ a b "US condemns 'horrific' Beirut attacks". PressTV. Retrieved 13 November 2015.
  18. ^ http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2015/11/14/437649/Lebanon-Hezbollah-Nasrallah-speech
  19. ^ "Czech MFA on Twitter". Twitter. 12 November 2015. Retrieved 13 November 2015.
  20. ^ Frost, Laurence (12 November 2015). "France condemns attack on Lebanese Hezbollah bastion". Reuters. Retrieved 13 November 2015.
  21. ^ "Italy condemns deadly attack in Beirut". Kuwait News Agency. 13 November 2015. Retrieved 13 November 2015.
  22. ^ "Kuwait foreign ministry strongly condemns Beirut's terrorist blasts". Kuwait News Agency. 13 November 2015. Retrieved 13 November 2015.
  23. ^ "Qatar strongly condemns Beirut bombings". The Peninsula. 13 November 2015. Retrieved 13 November 2015.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2015_Beirut_bombings&oldid=690730851"