Hariri Warns against 'Killing Machine,' Says Tripoli to Triumph over 'Evil Forces'

Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri warned on Thursday against the “killing machine that is moving from one city to another in Lebanon” after deadly twin blasts in the northern city of Tripoli killed over 27 people and wounded 358 others.

"These hands want to sow strife in Lebanon and overturn any moment of stability in the country,” Hariri said in a released statement.

"The killing machine wants to target innocents everywhere in Lebanon.”

He pointed out that “many internal and foreign groups want to target Tripoli.”

Hariri explained: “Those seeking strife targeted Tripoli to attack believers and worshipers. For years, some groups were working on keeping the city in a state of turmoil through creating chaos and internal armed clashes.”

“They have one goal which is to cause strife and destruction in Lebanon.”

He continued: “The residents of Tripoli have endured a lot and they payed the price with blood to preserve their dignity and defend themselves.”

"But the city will triumph over the evil forces and will not give the enemies of Lebanon a chance to ignite strife in the country."

"Terrorism will not kill the will-power of the city nor will it affect its political choices.”

The ex-premier urged the political and social figures in the city to “be patient and wise.”

"They should cooperate, show solidarity and avoid giving the enemies of Tripoli any excuses to continue their evil acts in the city,” he pointed out.

"We also demand them to ease the missions of security and judicial authorities to allow them to do their jobs.”

Two powerful car bombs, minutes apart, killed at least 42 people and wounded another 500 in Tripoli on Friday afternoon.

The first blast rocked the city center near the home of caretkaer Prime Minister Najib Miqati, although his office said he was not in Tripoli at the time.

The second struck near the port of the restive city, close to the home of former police chief Ashraf Rifi, a security source said.