Terrorist Attack in Beirut: Against Hezbollah, Assad or Heretics?

• 11.14.2015, 15:04
•  Near East,  World

National mourning is declared on November 13 in Lebanon. The bloodiest terrorist attack during the recent years in the area of Borj al-Barajneh in Beirut Southern suburb left at least 43 martyrs and 240 injured. This area is one of Shiite Hezbollah’s footholds.

Lebanese "Al Mayadeen" TV station reports, that the attack was committed by two suicide bombers. The first explosion took place in near a Shiite mosque, the other one was committed near the Trade Center that enjoys great popularity among foreigners. Lebanese security forces say the third bomber has not managed to blow him. His body was found among the martyrs. Newsru.co.il quotes Lebanese media stating that one was Syrian, the two others are considered to be Palestinian. But this is not final information.

The attack was condemned by all political forces in Lebanon. The Prime Minister called for unity, saying "the terrorist attack must serve as an impulse for Lebanese political forces to overcome the disagreements and end the crisis".

Armenia, Syria, Iran, the US and many other countries expressed their condolences. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon called on Lebanon to "not allow this despicable act to destroy the relative calm that has prevailed in the country over the past year", AFP reports.

"Islamic State" terrorist organization assumed the responsibility for the attack, saying the first attacker rode into a crowd of "heretics" on a motorbike. They promised to continue attacks against Shiites.

Hezbollah described the attack as a "crime against humanity," and not against a certain sect or party, Al-Bawaba News says. Hussein Khalil, a top aide to Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah, said that the attack provided reason for Lebanese people to stand by the army and Hezbollah, adding that the fight against terrorism was long.

It should be noted that it is not the first attack against the Hezbollah’s footholds. During 2013-2014 several such attacks were conducted. The responsibility for the attack assumed the jihadist organizations saying this is the way they answer to Hezbollah support for Assad.

During the last 5 years Lebanon has suffered greatly because of the Syrian conflict. The constant flow of Syrian refugees to Lebanon continues. Their number has reached 1 million. The Syrian conflict had a negative impact on the Lebanese economy: trade and tourism are paralyzed. Because of the strained relations between Shiite and Sunni communities clashes have become common. Every tension in Syria reflects in Lebanon.

Besides the problems caused by external factors Lebanon has serious political problems. The country survives without president for about two years. Analysts say this impasse is also a result of the support by Iran and Saudi Arabia to different blocks of the Lebanese Parliament.