At least five people were killed and 28 wounded when an explosion ripped through a bus carrying Lebanese soldiers.

The blast occurred in the city of Tripoli in northern Lebanon.

Security sources said at least three soldiers were among those killed in the explosion in the Buhsas area at the southern entrance to the city during the morning rush hour.

Lebanese troops cordoned off the scene of the blast and ambulances ferried casualties to hospitals.

Former Prime Minister Najib Mikati said: "This is a direct targeting of the military institution."

Six weeks ago a bomb blast hit a bus in the city, Lebanon's second largest, killing 15 people, including ten soldiers.

That attack was the deadliest against the army since the military routed al Qaeda-inspired Muslim militants at a nearby Palestinian refugee camp last year.

Tripoli was caught up in deadly sectarian fighting in recent months linked to Lebanon's broader political troubles, but tension has eased since rival leaders in the city signed a reconciliation deal on September 8.

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