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Lebanon’s PM vows thorough investigation after explosives-laden truck seized at checkpoint
Authorities say 780 kilograms of explosives were seized and two suspects were referred to judicial authorities as Lebanon widens its investigation.
On Monday, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced Lebanon will investigate suspected Hezbollah members linked to an explosives-laden truck intercepted last week at the Dahr al-Baidar checkpoint.
Historically, Hezbollah moved weapons freely across Lebanon; however, the government declared all military activities by the Iran-backed group illegal in March following a three-month war that killed nearly 4,000 people.
Two detained suspects were transporting 780 kilograms of explosives, including 250 kilograms each of TNT and C-4, from Baalbek to Beirut for an operative named Zulfiqar.
Describing the incident as a "criminal operation," Salam vowed to pursue those responsible, noting C-4 explosives have been used in several "infamous political assassinations in Lebanon's modern history."
Information Minister Paul Morcos confirmed judicial authorities received the two detained suspects, while the government vowed firm action against weapons transport outside state control.
The President of the Government of Lebanon, Nawaf Salam, committed both to uncovering and holding accountable those involved in a truck loaded with explosives seized by the security forces the day before in the east of the country, as they were heading towards the capital, Beirut.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has ensured that the authorities will act firmly against illegal arms after the seizure of explosives allegedly intended for Hezbollah.