The Lebanese Army seized approximately 200 kilograms of explosives in the al-Qasr area of Hermel, northeastern Lebanon. In a separate operation, Lebanese authorities intercepted a shipment of 780 kilograms of explosives in the Dahr al-Baidar area. This second seizure included 250 kilograms of TNT and 250 kilograms of C-4 plastic explosives. Security forces confirmed these findings following operations conducted in the region. The Lebanese Army and other authorities involved in the seizures have maintained control over the confiscated materials as investigations proceed.
Security Forces Intercept Shipments
Lebanese security forces detained two men transporting the 780-kilogram shipment as they traveled from the Bekaa Valley toward Beirut. Investigations into the origin and intended destination of these materials remain ongoing. Retired Lebanese Army Maj. Gen. George Shrem stated the explosives were in their original packaging and not yet assembled into bombs. This condition suggests the cargo was intercepted before the preparation of any explosive devices. Lebanese lawmaker Najat Aoun expressed concern regarding the scope of the official response to the incident. "We hope the investigation will not stop with the two men who were driving the truck, only for the case to be closed," Najat Aoun said. Authorities continue to hold the suspects in custody while processing evidence recovered from the vehicle.
Sabotage Along Transport Route
Lebanese lawmaker George Okais reported that 28 surveillance cameras installed along the transport route of the intercepted explosives shipments had been sabotaged in the months preceding the seizures. These cameras, which monitored key transit points used by the vehicles carrying the materials, were rendered inoperable before the recent security operations in Dahr al-Baidar and the al-Qasr area.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam addressed the discovery of these transport networks on 12 October 2026. During a formal statement, Nawaf Salam called for the identification of every party involved in the illicit movement of the explosives. He further ordered that all suspects identified in the investigation be referred to the judiciary for legal proceedings. Authorities are currently reviewing the extent of the damage to the surveillance infrastructure while continuing to process evidence related to the seized shipments. Internal Security Forces and the Lebanese Army remain involved in the ongoing inquiry into the origin of the materials and the network responsible for the sabotage of monitoring equipment along the route from the Bekaa Valley toward Beirut. Investigations into the logistics of the transport remain active as officials seek to determine the full scope of the security breach.
