Lebanese security forces intercepted a truck containing 780 kilograms of explosives at the Dahr al-Baidar checkpoint last week. The operation, which took place at the high-altitude transit point, resulted in the immediate detention of two individuals found in direct connection with the vehicle. These suspects were transporting the material from Baalbek to Beirut when they were apprehended by security personnel. The seizure occurred as the truck traveled through the checkpoint, leading to the immediate arrest of the two men involved in the transit. Officials have since maintained custody of the explosives as the investigation into the origin and intended destination of the shipment continues. The security forces involved in the operation at the Dahr al-Baidar checkpoint have processed the evidence as part of the ongoing legal proceedings against the two detained suspects.
Details of Seized Explosives
Laboratory analysis of the materials confiscated at the Dahr al-Baidar checkpoint confirmed the presence of 250 kilograms of TNT and 250 kilograms of C4 plastic explosives. These components formed the bulk of the 780-kilogram shipment intercepted by security personnel last week. The remaining weight of the shipment consisted of additional explosive materials identified during the forensic examination conducted by authorities following the arrest. The seizure of these specific materials, including both TNT and C4, represents a significant discovery for security personnel tasked with maintaining order at internal transit corridors.
Lebanese army units carried out a separate operation on Monday, intercepting an additional 200 kilograms of explosives. Soldiers discovered these materials while they were being smuggled from Syria into the town of al-Qasr. The military seized the shipment during the transit attempt, bringing the total volume of intercepted explosives in the country to 980 kilograms within the past week. The operation at al-Qasr notes the ongoing efforts by the military to secure the border region against the unauthorized movement of dangerous materials.
Legal oversight of military activities remains a central focus for state authorities. The Lebanese government issued a formal declaration in March, stating that all military activities by Hezbollah are illegal. This policy shift formalizes the state’s stance regarding the group's operations within the country. Authorities continue to monitor transit points near the borders and internal checkpoints to prevent the unauthorized movement of military-grade materials. The coordination between security forces and the Lebanese army is intended to ensure that such shipments do not reach their intended destinations. As the investigation into the 980 kilograms of total seized explosives progresses, state authorities are reviewing the protocols used at the Dahr al-Baidar checkpoint and the al-Qasr border crossing to further strengthen domestic security measures against future transit attempts of a similar nature.
