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Terrorist network behind Beirut blasts busted within 48 hours: minister

Xinhua, November 16, 2015 Adjust font size:

Lebanon arrested the entire network behind the suicide bombings in southern Beirut suburb of Bourj al-Barajneh within 48 hours, according to the interior minister.

Twin suicide bombings rocked the area of Bourj al-Barajneh south of Beirut Thursday, killing at least 43 people and injuring over 250 others.

Lebanon arrested five Syrians and a Palestinian over suspected involvement in the attack, said reports. Investigators also identified the network behind the operation.

"The network includes seven people in addition to the suicide bombers. Obviously, there was a major plan to bomb Lebanese targets," said the minister, adding they arrested the entire network behind the bombings within 48 hours.

The attackers targeted the al-Rasoul al-Aazam hospital with five suicide bombers, the minister said, but the assailants altered their plans due to security measures.

He stressed that Lebanon must find solutions to its current political disputes, due to which the country has been without a president since May 2014. Political stability is the only means to secure the country, he said. Endit