Lebanon Identifies Seven Suspects in Hezbollah Explosives Case

Judicial authorities in Lebanon are close to completing a preliminary investigation into a case involving explosives linked to Hezbollah, with charges expected to be filed against seven suspects, according to a media report.

The Asharq al-Awsat newspaper reported that Government Commissioner to the Military Court, Judge Claude Ghanem, is set to receive within hours the records of preliminary investigations conducted by the Intelligence Directorate of the Lebanese Army and the Information Branch of the Internal Security Forces. Ghanem will review the files and press charges based on the crimes matching the suspects’ actions.

Arrests and Identified Individuals

While reports have circulated about the arrest of an additional person beyond the two who were inside the truck transporting the explosives, a judicial source clarified that arrests remain limited to those two individuals. However, the source confirmed to Asharq al-Awsat that the investigation has revealed the identities of five other people suspected of links to the case. Among them is a person named Sajid, described as a security figure belonging to Hezbollah and suspected of delivering the explosives in Baalbek. Another suspect, Zulfiqar, also holds a security position and was supposed to receive the explosives in the southern suburbs of Beirut. Additionally, the wife of one of the detainees (identified only as H. A.) and the owner of the truck carrying the explosives have been implicated.

Judicial Proceedings and Charges

Until the government decides whether to refer the file to the Judicial Council, the judicial process is expected to continue before the Military Court. The judicial source announced that Judge Claude Ghanem will begin reviewing the records, matching confessions and evidence with applicable legal texts governing the acts attributed to the suspects, in preparation for determining criminal charges for both detainees and those at large. The source anticipated that charges will be filed on Thursday against individuals whose responsibilities have been established. He stressed that the preliminary investigation succeeded in uncovering the real names of those involved, and bench warrants as well as search and arrest warrants have been issued for some suspects and are being executed.

Minister’s Call for Referral

Meanwhile, Lebanese Minister of Justice Adel Nassar reiterated to the daily his insistence on referring the file to the Judicial Council. Nassar stated that the gravity of the file goes beyond transporting and storing explosives to posing a threat to national security and civil peace.