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SLUG: 2-302952 Lebanon Explosion (S-O)
DATE: NOTE NUMBER: |
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DATE=5/7/2003 TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT TITLE=LEBANON-EXPLOSION (S-O) NUMBER=2-302952 BYLINE=EDWARD YERANIAN DATELINE=BEIRUT CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: A bomb targeting two Christian missionaries exploded outside their home in the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli around midnight, killing a friend, but leaving the couple unharmed. Edward Yeranian reports from Beirut TEXT: Lebanese police say a neighbor of the couple who tried to defuse the bomb died in the explosion. The couple's apartment was also damaged and windows were blown out in adjacent buildings. But the Dutch missionary and his German wife survived unscathed. The friend was apparently responding to calls for help from the couple. He has been identified as Jamil Rifai, a Jordanian Christian. He was originally identified as the bomber, but police now say they suspect another man, who is in custody. This was the second attack on Christian missionaries in Lebanon in six months. In November, an American missionary was killed by a Muslim extremist, who shot her at close-range. Police have not determined the motive for the bombing, but several Islamic groups complain about Christian Missionaries trying to convert Muslims in Lebanon and other Muslim countries. (SIGNED) NEB/EY/AWP/RAE |
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