ROME, Sept. 21 (Xinhuanet) -- The Italian intelligence service hasfoiled a car bomb plot targeting at the Italian embassy in the Lebanese capital of Beirut, the Italian news agency ANSA said Tuesday.

    A car loaded with 300 km of explosives was found near the embassy, and 10 people were arrested. The bomb attempt was plotted by an Islamist group and was intended to launch a series of attacks on Western targets across Lebanon, including the US embassy, ANSA said.

    Defense Minister Antonio Martino issued a statement to thank the Italian military intelligence service, SISMI, for the "brilliant operation carried out in Lebanon". He also thanked the Lebanese and Syrian secret services for their cooperation.

    The agency gave no details about how the car was uncovered and the date of the planned attack. Enditem