Reports of Booby-Trapped Car in Dahieh Dismissed as Rumors

Claims that a booby-trapped vehicle had made its way to Beirut's southern suburbs of Dahieh created a stir in the country on Friday.

The allegations were however dismissed as rumors by a prominent security source, reported al-Joumhouria newspaper on Saturday.

The car was reportedly sent from the eastern Bekaa town of Brital.

“Such a claims are fantastical, because Brital is under very tight security measures by the army, as is the road leading to it,” explained the source.

“One must also not forget the presence of the security forces in the town. Furthermore, the hills near the area are part of the Syrian al-Qalamoun region and the forces ensuring the security of that area are the same ones monitoring Dahieh,” it added.

The source also warned against rumors that are speaking of a state of alert among Hizbullah and the party's intention to carry out a security operation similar to the one that occurred in May 2008.

On May 7, 2008 Hizbullah launched a military takeover of Beirut that sparked armed clashes in the capital and other areas in the country.

The party took the step in protest a number of measures taken by the government at the time, which was headed by Prime Minister Fouad Saniora.

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