Military

DATE=3/26/2005

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=LEBANON EXPLOSION (S-O)

NUMBER=2-323518(CQ)

BYLINE=SONJA PACE

DATELINE=BEIRUT

CONTENT=

/// EDS: RU-RUNNING W/UPDATE INFO IN INTRODUCTION ///

HEADLINE: Bomb Blast in Beirut Injures at Least Three

INTRO: A bomb exploded in an industrial zone of a predominantly Christian neighborhood of Beirut Saturday night, injuring at least eight people. VOA's Sonja Pace was at the scene and has this report.

TEXT: /// SFAX: SOUND OF POLICE/AMBULANCE SIRENS - ESTABLISH, FAD AND KEEP UNDER THRUOUT ///

Police say the bomb was placed at the site in the Dikweneh neighborhood - in an area of factories, warehouses and car repair shops. The blast shattered windows and set several building ablaze.

Police and soldiers were at the scene to cordon off the area and ambulances and fire trucks were rushed in.

The blast is making residents increasingly nervous. This is the third bombing in a week - all have occurred in predominantly Christian areas of the city.

Lebanese opposition leaders have blamed Syria and pro-Syrian Lebanese authorities of being behind the attacks in an effort to instill fear in the community.

Lebanon has been in political turmoil since former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri was killed in a massive bomb blast in Beirut last month. (Signed)

NEB/SP/PT