FBI to assist Lebanon's investigation into car bombing

FBI will offer their expertise to aid in Lebanon’s. Beirut – Georges Chahine FBI will offer their expertise to aid in Lebanon’s investigations in to the assassination of General Wissam al-Hassan. Lebanese state security said FBI representatives on Monday offered their forensic report on the assassination of the head of the Internal Security Forces (ISF) General al-Hassan. The car bombing in Ashrafieh, which involved the Toyota RAV strapped with 50 to 60 kg of TNT, was reportedly owned by Qaber Shamoun, a citizen from Jabail. Shamoun told authorities his car was stolen by unknown looters a year before.
He said the car thief called him after his car went missing and demanded a ransom in exchange for returning the car. When Shamoum refused to pay, the thief gave him his number in case he changed his mind.
Investigators are currently focusing on identifying the owner of the phone number, who has several outstanding arrest warrants, and on tracing the route taken by the car up to the explosion.
Sources explained that al-Hassan, who attended a security conference in Berlin with general director of the internal security forces and other officials, left Germany heading to Paris to meet his family without telling the delegation about his destination.
As soon as he arrived to Beirut at 7pm on Thursday he called Minister of Interior Marwan Charbel and discussed security issues.
From the airport, al-Hassan took a rented car to his apartment in Ashrafieh, while his camouflage convoy left headed to offices of ISF.
On Friday al-Hassan decided to go to his office in the rented car. The RAV4 which parked after his arrival, exploded when he passed by it.
Prime Minister Mikati and US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton have been in close contact since the explosion took place. FBI General Director Robert Mueller made a phone call offering condolences and expressed his willingness to offer any help regarding the investigation.
Lebanese Minister of Interior Marwan Charbel said engineers were sent to assess the damages in Ashrefieh. Residents of the area were provided shelter in hotels for 10 days until it was deemed safe for them to move back to their homes.
He said the debris from the explosion will not be cleared until the investigation is completed.
Despite numerous calls for President Najib Mikati's resignation over the bombing, which killed another seven and injured scores of others, he has confirmed he will ony take this course of action if an agreement over a national unity cabinet is reached.