Blowing smoke: Reuters admits to altering Beirut photo

YNet News reports the admission here.

Left and Right proves the altering beyond a shadow of a doubt.

Background via Malkin and Allah.

Followup here: the photographer in question (Adnan Hajj) has been suspended pending an investigation.

I don’t get it. With so many other legit images of smoke billowing from Beirut, why would anyone want to alter a photo of one? Unless they were trying to embellish what was happening, of course …

PM Update: Adnan Hajj will no longer be doing any freelance work for Reuters. (Hat tip: LGF)