Lebanon Charges 13 in Hezbollah Explosives Case as Tensions Rise

BEIRUT — Lebanon’s military court has charged 13 people over a truck carrying 780 kilograms of explosives. Security forces stopped the truck at Dahr al-Baidar earlier this month.

The case has increased tensions between the Lebanese government and Hezbollah. It has also raised questions about who controls weapons and security in Lebanon.

Security forces stop explosives truck

Security forces stopped the truck on 5 October at Dahr al-Baidar. The road connects Beirut with the eastern Bekaa Valley.

Officials said the truck carried around 780 kilograms of explosives. The shipment included TNT and C-4 plastic explosives.

Investigators are now examining the people who moved the explosives. They are also looking into the truck’s route and its intended destination.

Military court charges 13 people

Lebanon’s military judiciary charged 13 people on Friday, 30 October.

Authorities arrested two suspects when they stopped the truck. The other 11 remain at large.

The charges reportedly include illegal possession and transport of explosives. They also involve offences linked to threats against Lebanon’s internal security.

The case will now move through the military court system. A judge will examine the evidence and question the suspects.

Hezbollah says explosives belonged to the group

Hezbollah has acknowledged ownership of the explosives.

The group’s lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah said Hezbollah intended to use the material against Israeli forces in southern Lebanon.

Hezbollah rejected claims that the shipment targeted Lebanese groups or political opponents. It also called for the authorities to return the seized explosives.

However, the investigation continues. The court must examine the evidence before reaching any conclusions about the accused.

Dispute over weapons and state authority

The case comes amid a wider political dispute over Hezbollah’s weapons.

The Lebanese government has sought to strengthen state control over security. However, Hezbollah continues to defend its military role against Israel.

This disagreement creates a difficult challenge for Lebanon’s leaders. They must enforce the law while avoiding further political tensions.

The explosives case could become an important test for the country’s security institutions.

What happens next?

The military court’s investigative judge will review the case and question the detained suspects.

The judge may also issue further arrest warrants as the investigation progresses.

For now, the case remains under judicial review. Its outcome could influence Lebanon’s debate over weapons, national security and the authority of the state.