French Military Attache Slain in Beirut, Christian Radio Says
Unidentified gunmen shot and killed the military attache at the French Embassy in Christian East Beirut today, Christian-controlled radio stations reported.
The stations said Col. Christian Gouttierre was slain near the French legation’s building in the suburb of Mar Takla.
The Voice of Lebanon radio of Christian President Amin Gemayel’s Phalange Party said Gouttierre was hit by three bullets to the head that killed him instantly.
Gouttierre was taken to the Hotel Dieu hospital in East Beirut, the radio said without giving further details. There was no immediate comment from police or the French Embassy.
The reported assassination follows hit-and-run attacks on French peacekeeping troops in southern Lebanon and a spate of deadly bombing attacks in Paris claimed by Lebanese extremist groups seeking the release of jailed comrades in the French capital.
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