The Lebanese military judge, Ghada Abulwan, issued arrest warrants on Thursday for two members of the Shiite militant group Hezbollah. This action is part of an investigation into a large shipment of explosives that was seized by Lebanese authorities last month.
Details of the Charges
Abulwan issued formal charges against Ali Alkurdi and Haitham Amhaz, who are currently in custody. The two were charged after being interrogated in the presence of their lawyer. Additionally, a hearing for six other suspects who have not yet been arrested has been postponed until November 17.
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On October 5, security forces stopped a Hezbollah vehicle carrying nearly 800 kilograms of explosives, including TNT and C4, at a checkpoint on the Dahr al-Bidar road connecting Beirut to Damascus. Alkurdi and Amhaz were arrested in this regard.
Recent Developments and Reactions
The Lebanese military court has also brought additional charges against these two and 11 other individuals linked to Hezbollah. These charges include smuggling explosives, possession of weapons, undermining national security, and forming illegal associations. Eight of the suspects have been identified, while five others are only known by their military names.
This judicial move comes as Lebanese officials impose further restrictions on this Iran-backed group. After Hezbollah fired rockets towards Israel in early March, the Lebanese government declared the military and security activities of the group illegal and urged the Lebanese army to proceed with plans to control all weapons.
Additionally, Lebanon is under increasing pressure from the United States to disarm Hezbollah. In a phone call with President Joseph Aoun in mid-October, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged the Lebanese government to "hold accountable all those who ordered, financed, and directed the shipment." He also emphasized that "the return of explosives to Hezbollah should not be considered."
Hezbollah has repeatedly refused to hand over its weapons under what it calls U.S. and Israeli orders. Ali Ammar, a parliament representative from Hezbollah, condemned the embassies' statement on Friday, describing it as "low and disrespectful."
Concerns about a return to full-scale war in Lebanon have increased due to a security vacuum in the south, following the expiration of the UN peacekeeping force's mandate at the end of December. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has announced that it will gradually withdraw from southern Lebanon by the end of the year.
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