Strict Security Measures in Dahieh over Reports of Booby-Trapped Car

Security measures were beefed up on Friday at the entrances of Beirut's southern suburbs after reports said a booby-trapped car may have entered the area.

“Strict security measures have been taken at the checkpoints on Dahieh's entrances amid suspicions that a black bomb-laden Mercedes might have entered the region,” state-run National News Agency reported.

It said the measures have created a severe traffic jam.

Earlier in the day, MTV said security forces were searching for “a black booby-trapped Mercedes that was in Brital and is suspected of having entered Beirut's southern suburbs.”

Meanwhile, security sources dismissed the reports as “rumors” in remarks to al-Jadeed television, noting that “there is no need for panic.”

The southern suburbs are a Hizbullah stronghold and several deadly bombings claimed by extremist groups have rocked the region in recent years.

A twin suicide bombing claimed by the Islamic State group killed 44 people and wounded around 240 others in Bourj al-Barajneh in November 2015.

Y.R.