Blasts outside Iranian embassy kills at least 15 in Beirut

Beirut, Lebanon -- At least 15 people were killed in an attack Tuesday in front of the Iranian embassy in southern Beirut, Lebanese Internal Security Forces told CNN.

The agency said the exact number of blasts was not clear, but the country's official National News Agency said there were two explosions.

The dead include two Iranian civilians who lived in a building close to the Iranian embassy, NNA said. The agency said there were no reported casualties among Iranian diplomatic staff.

Another 50 people were injured, NNA said.

Stunned witnesses looked on after the blasts as a series of massive flames and pillars of black smoke leapt into the the sky. The fires burned out several cars parked on a nearby street.

At least six buildings were damaged, Lebanese Internal Security Forces said.

The motive behind the attack was not immediately clear.

Lebanon's acting prime minister, Najib Mikati, said the blasts were "a cowardly terrorist attack" and urged the Lebanese public "to exercise the utmost restraint because we are going through a very difficult phase," NNA reported.

Mikati also called Iran's ambassador to Lebanon, Ghazanfar Roknabadi, to check on his safety and express his condolences, NNA said.

                                      CNN