Lebanon probes explosives shipment seized at checkpoint

Lebanese security forces seized a vehicle carrying explosives at the Dahr al-Baidar checkpoint on October 5 and arrested two men, prompting an expanded investigation into the shipment’s origins, intended recipients and purpose. The Internal Security Forces stopped the vehicle on the highway linking Beirut with the Bekaa Valley. Interior Minister Ahmad al-Hajjar said officers searched it after its unusually heavy load raised suspicion. Officials have not publicly established who supplied or directed the shipment, or what it was meant for. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said the government would pursue those involved and broaden the investigation. He also pledged firm action against the possession, transport or use of weapons outside state control. Information Minister Paul Morcos said the two detainees had been referred to judicial authorities. The reported quantity and composition vary. The Associated Press cited judicial officials who put the total at 780 kilograms, including 250 kilograms each of TNT and C4. Other reports described different contents, including PETN, tetryl and metal fragments. No official inventory resolving the reported differences has been made public.