World · Middle East · 4 hrs ago
Lebanon vows wider probe after explosives-laden truck is seized
Lebanese security forces stopped a truck carrying 780 kilograms of explosives at the Dahr al-Baidar checkpoint last week.
The checkpoint is on the highway linking Beirut with the eastern Bekaa Valley.
Two people in the truck have been referred to judicial authorities, and officials say they told investigators they were transporting the material from Baalbek to Beirut.
They said they had been told to hand it to a man south of Beirut, but not what it would be used for.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said investigators would seek other people involved and those behind the shipment, which he called a criminal operation.
Lebanese authorities suspect links to members of Hezbollah, but the group has not commented and it is unclear whether it planned to use the explosives.
In March, Lebanon declared Hezbollah’s military activities illegal, after the group fired rockets into northern Israel and a three-month war followed.
Salam said the government would act against weapons held, transported or used outside state control.
Lebanon will broaden its investigation into an explosives-laden truck intercepted at a checkpoint last week, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said.
The truck was carrying 780 kilograms of explosives, including TNT and C4.
Two people detained in the truck have been referred to judicial authorities, Information Minister Paul Morcos said.
Officials believe suspected members of Hezbollah may be linked to the shipment, but Hezbollah has declined comment.
The two detainees said they were told to take the material from Baalbek to Beirut but were not told what it would be used for, judicial officials said.
- Who
- Lebanon’s government, led by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, is investigating. Two people were detained; officials suspect Hezbollah members may also be involved.
- What
- Authorities intercepted a truck carrying 780 kilograms of explosives and vowed to pursue a broader investigation.
- When
- The truck was intercepted last week. Salam announced the investigation on Monday.
- Where
- At the Dahr al-Baidar checkpoint on the highway linking Beirut with the eastern Bekaa Valley.
- Why
- The investigation aims to identify everyone involved in the shipment and those behind it. The intended use of the explosives is unclear.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Our government will not tolerate anyone who dares to tamper with the country’s security, safety, and stability.
criminal operation
The Lebanese government declared all military activities by Hezbollah illegal.
Security forces intercepted the explosives-laden truck at the Dahr al-Baidar checkpoint.
Salam said Lebanon would pursue a thorough investigation and seek to identify everyone involved.
- Explosives seized
- 780 kilograms (1,720 pounds)
- TNT
- 250 kilograms (550 pounds)
- C4
- 250 kilograms (550 pounds)
- Checkpoint
- Dahr al-Baidar
- Detainees
- Two people referred to judicial authorities
- Route described by detainees
- Baalbek to Beirut
Sources
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