Lebanon: Car bombing targeting Hamas in Sidon January 14

Event

On Sunday, January 14, a car bomb exploded in Sidon’s Al-Boustan Al-Kabir district, located 40 km (25 mi) south of the capital Beirut. The bomb had been planted under a car belonging to Hamas member Mohammed Hamdan, who was severely injured in the blast. The car was destroyed and a nearby building was also damaged.

Context

Nearly half a million UN-registered Palestinian refugees live in Lebanon, with Sidon home to the largest Palestinian population, most of whom live in the Ain Al-Hilweh refugee camp (61,000 inhabitants). As a consequence, Palestinian armed groups, including Hamas, are active in the region.

Advice

Individuals in Sidon are advised to monitor the situation and heed to any instructions issued by local authorities.