TYRE, Lebanon: An explosion ripped through a restaurant on a thoroughfare frequented by tourists and U.N. peacekeepers in the southern coastal city of Tyre early Wednesday
security sources said.
They said no casualties were reported from the 5:00 a.m. explosion at Tyros restaurant, only a few meters away from Queen Elissa Hotel that was the target of a similar attack last month in what appeared to be related to the sale of alcohol.
The bomb, placed near the rear wall of the restaurant on Tyre’s Corniche street, shattered most of Tyros’ windows and damaged several eating tables.
It drew reactions at the local level.
Police sealed off the area around the restaurant upon arrival at the scene.
The owner of Tyros restaurant, Zuheir Arnaout, said the explosion would only motivate him to go ahead with New Year’s Eve party.
“I’m going to repair the damage and I will be fully ready for the New Year,” Arnaout told The Daily Star at the site of the explosion.
He said he already sold out 300 tickets for New Year’s Eve party
“Explosions do not frighten us. I’m going to serve more liquor and I’m going to bring in more dancers,” Arnaout said adamantly.
Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned the explosion.
Amal Movement MP Abdel Majid Saleh said the blast aimed at destabilizing security and stability in Tyre.
“The explosion benefits Israel and its allies,” Saleh said in a statement.
“Religion cannot be imposed on people by the power of explosions and swords,” he said.
“Tyre will continue to reject all kinds of strife and blind hatred … Tyre is the mother of coexistence between the various religions and sects,” he added.
security sources said.
They said no casualties were reported from the 5:00 a.m. explosion at Tyros restaurant, only a few meters away from Queen Elissa Hotel that was the target of a similar attack last month in what appeared to be related to the sale of alcohol.
The bomb, placed near the rear wall of the restaurant on Tyre’s Corniche street, shattered most of Tyros’ windows and damaged several eating tables.
It drew reactions at the local level.
Police sealed off the area around the restaurant upon arrival at the scene.
The owner of Tyros restaurant, Zuheir Arnaout, said the explosion would only motivate him to go ahead with New Year’s Eve party.
“I’m going to repair the damage and I will be fully ready for the New Year,” Arnaout told The Daily Star at the site of the explosion.
He said he already sold out 300 tickets for New Year’s Eve party
“Explosions do not frighten us. I’m going to serve more liquor and I’m going to bring in more dancers,” Arnaout said adamantly.
Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned the explosion.
Amal Movement MP Abdel Majid Saleh said the blast aimed at destabilizing security and stability in Tyre.
“The explosion benefits Israel and its allies,” Saleh said in a statement.
“Religion cannot be imposed on people by the power of explosions and swords,” he said.
“Tyre will continue to reject all kinds of strife and blind hatred … Tyre is the mother of coexistence between the various religions and sects,” he added.
Chris Laarhoven
