BEIRUT, June 12 (Reuters) - A small bomb containing 200 grams (7 ounces) of explosives sent to Beirut's General Security headquarters was defused on Friday after failing to explode because of a technical glitch, security sources said.

Bombs are rarely sent to government buildings although several explosive devices are defused or explode every week in Lebanon.

Tensions in Lebanon have dissipated after a Qatari-mediated deal in May last year dragged the country back from the brink of civil war. Before that Lebanon had suffered bouts of political killings, bombings and sectarian conflict since the 2005 assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri.

On Sunday the U.S.-backed coalition, led by politician Saad al-Hariri, won a parliamentary election against an alliance that includes Iranian-backed Hezbollah.

U.S. Special Middle East envoy George Mitchell is in Lebanon meeting with various officials before visiting Syria. (Editing by Louise Ireland)

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