Hezbollah admitted on 15 October 2026 to owning more than 500 kilograms of explosives that Lebanese authorities seized in Zahle. The recovery of the materials occurred earlier today, prompting an immediate acknowledgment from the organization regarding the nature of the shipment. Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah addressed the incident in a statement, saying, "The vehicle and its cargo belong to the resistance," while confirming the group's responsibility for the seized items. Lebanese security officials have maintained control over the site following the discovery of the explosives in the Bekaa Valley region. Investigations remain ongoing to determine the intended destination of the cargo.
Official Response to Seizure
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam provided details regarding the recent security operation in Zahle. He stated, "It has become known that a few days ago, a truck was stopped in the town of Zahle, heading from the Bekaa Valley to the Greater Beirut area, containing hundreds of kilograms of explosives, including the highly explosive C-4 substance." Addressing public concern, the Prime Minister added, "I understand the anxiety gripping the Lebanese people upon the news of this truck’s interception and the materials it was transporting, especially since C-4 has been used in several of the infamous political assassinations in modern Lebanese history." Prime Minister Nawaf Salam further noted, "But from my position as head of government, I call on all Lebanese to rest assured that we will not relent in pursuing the investigation and expanding it to identify every individual involved in this criminal operation, as well as those behind them, uncover their plans and objectives and bring them all to justice to receive the punishment they deserve."
Security operations along the border regions remain a focus for the Lebanese army. Military units previously seized explosive materials in the Qasr area of Hermel that were allegedly being smuggled from Syria. These enforcement actions occur across a border between Lebanon and Syria that spans approximately 330 kilometers.
Legal proceedings related to government officials have also moved forward in the military justice system. State Commissioner to the Military Court Judge Claude Ghanem dismissed a complaint filed by lawyer Hassan Bazzi against Lebanese Ambassador to the US Nada Hamadeh Moawad. The dismissal concludes this specific legal action within the military court's jurisdiction.
