Four Beirut residents have been killed after a car belonging to the US embassy was bombed in the Lebanese capital today.

The blast, which rocked the predominantly Christian suburb of Dora-Karantina, was heard across the Lebanese capital, and grey smoke could be seen billowing near the Mediterranean coast.

Lebanon has seen more than 30 explosions in the past three years, many targeting anti-Syrian politicians and journalists.

Although the diplomatic vehicle appeared to be the target of the car bomb, no American citizens were in the car at the time. The local driver was slightly injured.

“There were no American diplomats or American citizens in the car at the time. There were four Beirut residents who do not work for the embassy who were killed in the blast,” said State Department spokesman Sean McCormack.

Television footage showed several damaged cars, including an SUV with tinted windows, similar to those used by US diplomats. Plainclothes security agents were seen removing an automatic rifle from the SUV.

A security official said: “There was a blast inside a car between the Dawra and Quarantina area and we have reports of injuries.”

Lebanon has been rocked by a string of bombings, most of which have targeted prominent anti-Syrian politicians.

The blast came amidst a deep political crisis in Lebanon with rival parties deadlocked over efforts to find a replacement for former pro-Syrian head of state Emile Lahoud who stood down in November.

The last car bombing on December 12 in Beirut’s suburb of Baabda killed Lebanese army Major General Francois Hajj and two other people.

Last week a roadside bomb wounded two UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon.

Times Recommends

• Obama: the world can expect better of America
• Gulp! Mystery killer threatens French oyster
• Secret of Northn Lights key to space safety