(Repeats to cover second snap)
BEIRUT, Dec 27 (Reuters) - An explosion rocked the Lebanese capital Beirut on Friday, causing an unknown number of casualties.
The blast was heard across the city and a plume of black smoke was seen rising in the downtown business district near the Phoenicia Hotel.
Ambulances were seen taking victims from the area, a witness said.
(Reporting By Samia Nakhoul; Editing by John Stonestreet)
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