In pictures: Huge explosion in central Beirut

Firemen and onlookers gather around burnt cars at the scene of a huge blast that rocked central Beirut on December 27, 2013AFP

A large explosion has rocked central Beirut, killing several people including a former Lebanese government minister. A number of vehicles were destroyed in the blast.

A Lebanese man carries an injured woman at the scene of an explosion in Beirut, Lebanon, (Dec. 27, 2013)AP

Several people were wounded in the attack.

Mohamad Chatah (file photo)AFP

Mohamad Chatah was targeted as he was driven through central Beirut to a meeting. His driver was also killed in the blast.

Smoke and flames after explosion in central Beirut (27 Dec 2013)Reuters

Lebanon has seen a wave of bombings recently, related to the tensions in neighbouring Syria.

Firemen douse a burning vehicle following a car bomb explosion that rocked central Beirut (December 27, 2013)AFP

The authorities did not immediately confirm whether the explosion was caused by a car bomb.

Smoke rises from a building in Beirut, Lebanon (Dec. 27, 2013)AP

The blast took place in a downtown area of the Lebanese capital, where there are several international hotels.

Onlookers and firemen gather around the remains of a vehicle that exploded in central Beirut (December 27, 2013)AFP

Mohamad Chatah was a Sunni Muslim and an adviser to former Prime Minister Saad Hariri.

Lebanese army investigators in white coveralls stand next to a blast crater at the scene of an explosion in Beirut, Lebanon (Dec. 27, 2013)BILAL HUSSEIN/AP

The Lebanese army cordoned off the area after the explosion.

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