An explosion in Beirut has killed former Lebanese Finance Minister Muhammad Shattah and at least four others.
Reports say a huge car bomb targeted Shattah, a Sunni Muslim, as his convoy was heading to a meeting with a Syrian opposition group.
The blast also wounded at least 50 people.
Television channels showed pictures of thick smoke near the Serail, where Lebanon's prime minister has his offices, and a major commercial district home to shops, banks, and restaurants.
Ambulances were seen taking victims from the area. Beirut has witnessed increased violence as a spillover of the conflict in neighboring Syria.
Two explosions outside the Iranian Embassy in Beirut in November killed at least 23 people -- including one diplomat -- and left more than 100 injured.
Fighting in Syria has increased sectarian tensions in Lebanon.
Reports say a huge car bomb targeted Shattah, a Sunni Muslim, as his convoy was heading to a meeting with a Syrian opposition group.
The blast also wounded at least 50 people.
Television channels showed pictures of thick smoke near the Serail, where Lebanon's prime minister has his offices, and a major commercial district home to shops, banks, and restaurants.
Ambulances were seen taking victims from the area. Beirut has witnessed increased violence as a spillover of the conflict in neighboring Syria.
Two explosions outside the Iranian Embassy in Beirut in November killed at least 23 people -- including one diplomat -- and left more than 100 injured.
Fighting in Syria has increased sectarian tensions in Lebanon.
