Lebanese officials condemn twin blast that targeted Beirut’s Bir Hassan

A massive explosion occurred Wednesday morning in south Beirut's Bir Hassan region near the Iranian Cultural Center, across the Kuwaiti Embassy roundabout.

The Abdullah Azzam Brigades claimed responsibility for the twin attack via their twitter account, a group affiliated with al-Qaeda and one that had previously attacked the area citing Hezbollah's interference in the Syrian crisis as the main reason.

Following the explosion, various Lebanese officials voiced their condemnation.

Local reactions:            

Prime Minister Tammam Salam condemned the Bir Hassan, dubbing it "a message sent out by terrorists who are adamant on spreading death across Lebanon".     

"Amid the positive atmosphere that followed the declaration of a new government, terrorism has dealt a new blow to Lebanon through the blast that targeted a safe, civilian area," Salam said.      

"Lebanese officials and citizens will respond to the attack with more unity and by holding on to civil peace," he added.        

Former PM Saad Hariri also condemned the blasts stating that “the Lebanese are united more than ever and will confront terrorism and all attempts to destabilize the country.”      

As well, former Prime Minister Najib Mikati called for solidarity and cooperation in order to address this "critical" phase.           

The Future bloc also condemned the attack but called on Hezbollah to pull out of Syria so as to deny the militants any excuse for attacks and to protect Lebanon.            

This as, Change and Reform bloc leader MP Michel Aoun said "terrorists were undoubtedly annoyed by the formation of a new cabinet, especially when they were aware that it will stand against them".         

International reactions:               

The US Embassy in Beirut condemned via its twitter account the terrorist attack in Bir Hassan, expressing its condolences to the victims and their families.

For his part, British Ambassador to Lebanon Tom Fletcher voiced his condemnation via Twitter, expressing solidarity with parties working on restoring calm and stability in Lebanon.                  

The Syrian cabinet also condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist act that targeted South Beirut's Bir Hassan region.

The Kuwaiti Embassy confirmed the safety of its employees, stating that none of them were injured in the explosion.