Politics1 min read

Lebanon charges 13 over confiscated Hezbollah explosives

By · Published by Everything Blog

In short

The case stems from the seizure of hundreds of kilograms of commercial and plastic explosives intercepted aboard a transport vehicle at a regional checkpoint. Two individuals were taken into custody during the interdiction, though eleven other suspects, including five known solely by aliases, remain fugitives. Hezbollah claimed the materials were earmarked exclusively for operations against Israeli troops, but judicial authorities are proceeding with charges despite finding no direct proof of domestic strike plans.

Key points

  • Hezbollah has publicly acknowledged ownership of the seized explosives and demanded the i…: Hezbollah has publicly acknowledged ownership of the seized explosives and demanded the immediate release of its detained operatives.
  • Prime Minister Nawaf Salam affirmed the Lebanese government will firmly address unauthori…: Prime Minister Nawaf Salam affirmed the Lebanese government will firmly address unauthorized weapons across the country.
  • Group leader Naim Qassem rejected a June security framework requiring disarmament in exch…: Group leader Naim Qassem rejected a June security framework requiring disarmament in exchange for an Israeli troop withdrawal.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

Group calls charges ‘unjust’, says weapons were meant to be used against Israeli forces in south Lebanon.

A Lebanese military court has charged 13 people it says are linked to Hezbollah with trafficking explosives, amid growing pressure on the Iran-backed group to disarm.

The individuals were charged on Friday with offences including possessing weapons, undermining state security and forming illegal associations, Lebanese state media reported.

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The charges stem from the seizure earlier this month of a truck transporting explosives at Dahr al-Baydar checkpoint, which links the capital, Beirut, to the eastern Bekaa Valley.

The vehicle had been carrying 780kg (1,720 pounds) of explosives, including 250kg (550 pounds) of TNT and 250kg (550 pounds) of C-4 plastic explosives, according to judicial officials.

Two people were arrested during the seizure, while the 11 others charged remain at large.…

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