France sends planes with rescue teams, aid to Beirut

French aid flights left Paris to Leban on Wednesday, following a massive blast in Beirut previous day that killed 100 people and wounded thousands.

French President Emmanuel Macron anunced he would fly to shattered Lebanese capital, and two planelos of French rescue workers and aid were expected to touch down on Wednesday afteron.

Macron's office told Associated Press that French leer will meet with Lebanese political leers but provided furr details.

Leban is a former French protectorate and countries retain close political and ecomic ties.

Paris prosecutor’s office says a first assessment has established that 21 French nationals were among those injured in dely explosion.

In Paris, a special vigil will be held Wednesday for blast victims in tre Dame Maronite Church, and Eiffel Tower will go dark at midnight to mourn m.