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Twin Explosions Kill at Least 37 in Lebanese Capital

© AP Photo / Hussein MallaA convoy of Lebanese Red Cross ambulances
A convoy of Lebanese Red Cross ambulances - Sputnik International
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At least 37 were killed and 180 injured Thursday as two explosions hit the south of the Lebanese capital of Beirut, local media reported.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Two suicide bombers carried out explosions in the southern Burj al-Barajneh neighborhood.

According to media reports, a third body was found at the scene with an explosive belt that had failed detonate.

The Lebanese security forces are looking for a fourth extremist who fled the scene after twin bombings in Beirut, a security source told Sputnik on Thursday.

"The search for the fourth terrorist, who fled after two explosions in the southern area, is continuing," the source said.

Lebanese Prime Minister Tammam Salam has announced that Friday would be a day of mourning after a twin blast killed almost 40 people.

"Friday has been announced to be the day of mourning in connection with the terrorist attacks in Burj al-Barajneh. Schools, ministries, state and private institutions will be closed in relation to this," Salam said.

FILE - In this Saturday, Aug. 2, 2014, file photo, smoke billows from the Lebanese town of Arsal, a Sunni Muslim town near the Syrian border in eastern Lebanon. - Sputnik International
Terror Attack on Lebanon-Syria Border Kills 10, Injures 20 - Reports
Salam called the attacks an act of cowardice, and called on the people of Lebanon to unite against the attempts to break down the country.

The blasts took place around 656 feet from a hospital run by the Hezbollah organization.

Hezbollah, a paramilitary and political organization originating in Lebanon's Shiite population, was established in the 1980s. The group's primary goal was military opposition to Israel's occupation of Lebanon.

Hezbollah is considered a terrorist organization by many Western governments including Israel, the United States, the United Kingdom and many European states, but not by Russia.

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