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Lebanese army investigates blast that killed general

Army investigators looked into the possible involvement of al-Qaeda-inspired extremists in the bombing that killed a Lebanese general who had led a major offensive against Islamic militants.

The beleaguered government on Thursday sought to reassure the public, where many were worried that even the military -- seen as the sole institution holding the country together -- was now a target in Lebanon's unending political turmoil.

Brigadier General Francois Hajj, chief of the military's operations, and his driver were killed as he left his home for work on Wednesday, when a parked car bomb exploded in Baabda, a Christian suburb east of Beirut.

Four Lebanese who were believed connected to the car used in the blast were being questioned, security officials said.

Hajj led a military campaign that crushed an al-Qaeda inspired militant group known as Fatah Islam in Nahr el-Bared, a Palestinian refugee camp in northern Lebanon. That raised suspicion the assassination may have been an act of revenge.

His slaying came as Lebanon is embroiled in the latest chapter of its yearlong crisis -- a dispute over electing a new president. The post has been empty since Emile Lahoud's term ended Nov. 23, with supporters of the Western-backed government and the opposition, led by pro-Syrian Hezbollah, unable to agree on a successor.

Hajj may have been targeted because he was considered a leading candidate to become army chief, the officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

In the southern city of Sidon, security agents detained four Lebanese in whose names the car used in the bombing was registered, a security official said.

The four are not yet suspects and were being questioned about their connection to the car, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Wednesday's bombing underlined fears among many Lebanese that no place or person is immune from the violence wracking Lebanon since 2005.

"This crime committed yesterday will only make Lebanon, the Lebanese government and the Lebanese army more determined to stand in the face of strife and seriously work to hold the presidential election," Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Saniora said.
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