Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Interior Minister Ahmad al-Hajjar have stressed the need to continue investigations into recently seized explosives to identify those behind the smuggling networks and bring them to justice, while strengthening security measures to prevent threats to the country’s stability. Salam met on Tuesday Lebanese Army Commander Gen. Rodolphe Haykal to discuss the security situation, particularly in South Lebanon, the military’s ongoing deployment and its efforts to extend state authority across the country. The meeting also addressed the recent seizure of explosives in two different areas – in Dahr al-Baidar and Qasr-Hermel. Salam praised the military’s efforts and urged investigators to identify all those involved, including the parties behind the smuggling operations, and refer them to the relevant judicial authorities. He reaffirmed his full support for the army, emphasizing the need to strengthen its capabilities to secure Lebanon’s borders, protect citizens and assert state authority throughout the country. Separately, Hajjar provided details of an explosives shipment intercepted last week at the Dahr al-Baidar checkpoint. He said officers became suspicious of an overloaded gray Dodge Caravan and searched the vehicle, discovering explosive materials. The driver and his passenger were arrested and handed over to the Military Police, along with the seized materials, on the instructions of the relevant judicial authorities. Hajjar praised the Internal Security Forces and the personnel stationed at Dahr al-Baidar, crediting their vigilance and professionalism for the discovery and arrests. Chairing a meeting of the Central Internal Security Council, he said the officers’ alertness and operational readiness underscored the importance of proactive security measures in preventing threats. Hajjar announced that Lebanese Army Intelligence and the Internal Security Forces’ Information Branch would expand the investigation at the request of the public prosecutor at the Court of Cassation. The inquiry aims to establish the circumstances surrounding the shipment and ensure that anyone found responsible is held accountable under the law. As a precaution, Hajjar instructed security agencies to tighten procedures at checkpoints and roadblocks, intensify inspections, increase patrols and reinforce their presence to strengthen internal security.
