Lebanon issues arrest warrants for two Hezbollah operatives over explosives truck case

Lebanon issued arrest warrants Thursday for two detained Hezbollah members as part of an investigation into a truck carrying explosives seized in the eastern Dahr al‑Baidar area, according to the country’s National News Agency.

First Military Investigative Judge Ghada Abu Alwan issued the warrants for Ali al‑Kurdi and Haitham Amhaz after questioning them in the presence of their lawyer, the agency reported.

The warrants place the two men under formal judicial detention as the investigation proceeds.

Abu Alwan also postponed until Nov. 17 the questioning of six other defendants who remain at liberty after their lawyer filed procedural objections, giving the military prosecution time to review the case and submit its position.

Lebanese judicial authorities on Oct. 30 charged 13 people affiliated with Hezbollah over the explosives‑truck case.

Internal Security Forces seized the truck on Oct. 5 while it was traveling from the eastern Bekaa region toward Beirut and detained two people who were aboard.

Lebanese media reported that the truck contained between 500 and 800 kilograms (1,102–1,764 pounds) of explosives, including TNT and C‑4, along with metal balls and nails.

Ten days after the seizure, Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah acknowledged that the vehicle and explosives belonged to the group, saying the materials were intended for use against Israeli forces in southern Lebanon. He called for the explosives to be returned and the detainees released.

Hezbollah lawmaker Ibrahim al‑Moussawi later denied media reports alleging that the shipment was intended for assassinations inside Lebanon.

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said authorities must identify those involved and those behind them, determine their plans, and refer them to the judiciary.

The case also drew U.S. attention, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussing the explosives shipment with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in mid‑October and urging an expanded investigation and accountability for those who ordered and financed the operation, according to the Lebanese presidency.

The Lebanese government is pursuing a program aimed at bringing all weapons under state authority, including Hezbollah’s arsenal, while the group maintains that its weapons are necessary for what it calls resistance against Israel.

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