Explosives target alleged Hezbollah convoy in Lebanon

Two small explosive devices went off on Friday in the eastern Lebanese city of Zahle targeting a “security convoy.”

According to Lebanese media, the convoy belonged to the Shiite military group Hezbollah, which has been fighting alongside forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad against rebels.

“Two bombs exploded at 5:30 a.m. when a security convoy made up of three 4x4 cars were on the international highway in the city of Zahle, which leads to the city of Baalbek,” a security source told AFP. “The gunmen got out of the car and fired into the air as soon as the explosion happened before they continued on their way” in the direction towards Shtoura, near the Syrian border.

The two bombs were planted in the barrier that separates the road into two directions, reported AFP, adding there was some material damage.

The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and Internal Security Forces (ISF) deployed in the area and blocked the road. An investigation into the incident is underway.

Since the March 2011 uprising against the Assad regime, there has been an increase of tension in neighboring Lebanon between parties who support the Damascus government and those who sympathize with the rebels.