Former Christian warlord assassinated in Lebanon

Former Lebanese Christian warlord Elie Hobeika has been killed by a bomb blast at his house, witnesses said.

Hobeika, 45, led the right-wing Lebanese Forces militia who, under the eyes of Israeli soldiers, attacked the Sabra and Chatilla refugee camps in Muslim west Beirut, slaughtering hundreds of men, women and children.

A car bomb exploded outside his house in Beirut’s eastern Hazmieh neighbourhood.

The explosion killed Hobeika and at least three of his bodyguards, police said.

Several buildings were heavily damaged and a large fire broke out.