Lebanese security forces intercepted a truck transporting hundreds of kilograms of explosives on 14 October. Authorities stopped the vehicle in the Dahr al-Baydar area of eastern Lebanon. Military personnel secured the site during the operation to prevent any potential detonation of the materials found inside the truck. Members of the security forces remained on the scene to conduct a search of the cargo and identify those responsible for the shipment. The Dahr al-Baydar area serves as a primary transit route connecting the Bekaa Valley to Beirut, and investigators are currently working to determine the origin and intended destination of the explosives. No further information regarding potential suspects or the specific type of explosive material has been released by the Lebanese security forces at this time.
Conflicting Reports on Seizure
Media reports regarding the specific quantity and nature of the discovered materials remain inconsistent. Saudi-owned Al-Hadath television stated that 500 kilograms of explosives were discovered in a vehicle at a security checkpoint in the Dahr al-Baydar area. Conversely, the Lebanese channel Al-Jadeed reported that authorities seized more than 250 kilograms of TNT along with additional materials used to manufacture explosive devices.
The Lebanese army confirmed a separate operation, reporting the interception of approximately 200 kilograms of explosives in the al-Qasr-Hermel area near the Syrian border. Further claims emerged from the Lebanese broadcaster MTV, which reported that two Hezbollah members were arrested in a vehicle containing hundreds of kilograms of C-4 explosives.
Lebanese Justice Minister Adel Nassar addressed the broader security situation, stating: "The confiscation of illegal weapons, the fight against terrorism and the pursuit of all lawbreakers are an irreversible course that will gain momentum. The investigation into the seized explosives and all related matters will be pursued to the fullest."
Lawmaker Najat Saliba commented on the potential implications of the materials found, asserting: "The explosives seized in Dahr al-Baydar are the same materials that were used to assassinate Lebanese figures."
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam emphasized the government’s stance on the ongoing investigations, declaring: "No leniency and no turning a blind eye, only truth and accountability."
In response to the reports linking the movement of explosives to his organization, Hezbollah lawmaker Ibrahim Mousawi issued a statement. He said: "If it is true that the vehicle belongs to the resistance, everyone should know that the resistance has nothing to be ashamed of. No one should attempt to issue threats, make unacceptable statements, level accusations or insinuate involvement in assassinations or similar acts. The history of the resistance is clear, clean and honorable. It has never been involved in a civil war and has never used its power in internal conflicts or disputes."
