At Least 37 Killed in Twin Suicide Blasts in Lebanese Capital

---

Lebanese officials said at least 37 people were killed and nearly 200 wounded in twin suicide blasts in a predominantly Shi'ite suburb in Lebanon's capital, Beirut.

Authorities said the explosions occurred minutes apart late Thursday in Burj al-Barajneh, a busy commercial and residential area in southern Beirut.

The area, a stronghold of the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, has been hit in the past. Sunni militants groups have threatened to carry out more attacks.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

Former Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri condemned the explosions, calling them "heinous terrorist attacks." He said on Twitter that "targeting civilians is a vile and unjustified act."

The U.N. special coordinator for Lebanon, Sidrig Kaag, also condemned the attack. She said, "Lebanon's unity, stability and security need to be supported and shielded at all times."

Hezbollah fighters have been backing up Syrian troops in Syria's civil war.  Hezbollah is supported by Iran and Syria.

Source: Bloomberg