Lebanon's PM Vows Investigation After Seizure of Explosives-Laden Truck
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam pledges a thorough investigation into suspected Hezbollah members involved in transporting a significant cache of explosives.
Lebanon will conduct a comprehensive investigation to identify suspected members of the militant group Hezbollah linked to an explosives-laden truck intercepted at the Dahr al-Baidar checkpoint last week, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced Monday. Salam characterized the incident as a "criminal operation" and commended security forces for their role in the seizure.
Information Minister Paul Morcos stated that two individuals detained in the truck have been referred to judicial authorities. Security agencies are actively pursuing other individuals connected to the case. The truck was found to be carrying approximately 1,720 pounds (780 kilograms) of explosives, including 550 pounds (250 kilograms) each of TNT and C4 plastic explosives, according to judicial officials who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The detained individuals reportedly claimed they were instructed to transport the material from the northeastern Baalbek region to Beirut without being informed of its intended use. They were allegedly to deliver it to an individual in south Beirut known by the nom de guerre Zulfiqar. Hezbollah has not commented on the matter.
For years, Hezbollah has operated with relative freedom in moving weapons throughout Lebanon. However, this changed in March when the Lebanese government declared all military activities by the Iran-backed group to be "illegal." This decision followed Hezbollah's rocket fire into northern Israel, which preceded a three-month conflict that resulted in nearly 4,000 deaths in Lebanon.
Morcos relayed Salam's acknowledgment of public concern regarding the shipment, highlighting that C-4 explosives have been used in significant political assassinations in Lebanon's recent history. It remains unclear whether Hezbollah intended to utilize the explosives in its fiber-optic drones deployed against Israeli forces in southern Lebanon.
Salam assured the public that the government would not hesitate to pursue and expand the investigation to identify all those involved in this "criminal operation" and those behind them. He emphasized that the government would not tolerate any threats to the country's security, safety, and stability, and would take decisive action against the possession, transport, or use of weapons outside state control.