Lebanon president says Beirut explosion cause unknown, possibility of external interference

Lebanon's president said an investigation into the Beirut port warehouse explosion was looking at whether it was caused by negligence, an accident or possible external interference, local media reported on Friday citing the president's office.

"The cause has not been determined yet. There is a possibility of external interference through a rocket or bomb or other act," President Michel Aoun said.

A small but violent protest broke out near an entrance to parliament in central Beirut on Thursday following the devastating explosion that rocked the Port of Beirut, killing at least 154 and injuring over 5,000 others.