Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced an investigation into explosives found in a truck linked to Hezbollah.
Information minister Paul Morcos said the two individuals detained in connection with the incident had been referred to judicial authorities. The two detainees claimed they had been instructed to transport the materials from Baalbek, in northeastern Lebanon, to Beirut without being informed of their intended use, according to the officials. He added that security agencies would continue their efforts to identify and apprehend others suspected of involvement. For years, Hezbollah was able to move weapons relatively freely in parts of Lebanon. However, the situation changed in March, when the Lebanese government declared all military activities by the Iran-backed group illegal.
Lebanese authorities is set to launch an extensive investigation to identify and track down suspected members of the militant Hezbollah group, who may be connected to a truck carrying explosives intercepted at the Dahr al-Baidar checkpoint last week, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said on Monday.
“Our government will not tolerate anyone who dares to tamper with the country’s security, safety, and stability,” Salam said, according to Morcos. During a meeting, Salam assured the public that the government would pursue the investigation comprehensively to establish the identities of everyone involved and those directing the operation. The prime minister also stressed that the government would take decisive measures against the possession, transportation or use of weapons outside state control.