A devastating explosion occurred at a weapons cache in southern Lebanon, resulting in the deaths of six Lebanese soldiers and injuring several others. The incident took place in the Wadi Zibqin area, near the coastal city of Tyre, while the army was working to dismantle the contents of the depot as part of a broader effort to remove Hezbollah military infrastructure.
According to the Lebanese Army Command’s statement, the explosion happened inside the cache, and an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the incident. Reports suggest that the blast may have been caused by remnants of Israeli aggression, including unexploded ordnance left over from the recent conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
The Lebanese government has been working with the United Nations peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon (UNIFIL) to dismantle Hezbollah’s military infrastructure as part of a ceasefire deal with Israel that came into force in November. This deal also involves confiscating unauthorized weapons across the country. However, Hezbollah has rejected the government’s disarmament plans, viewing them as serving Israeli interests.
In response to the incident, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam expressed his deep sorrow, stating, “With great sadness, Lebanon bids farewell to our brave soldiers who fell in the south while performing their national duty.” Diodato Abagnara, head of the UNIFIL mission, also extended condolences to the troops and their families, emphasizing the importance of restoring stability and avoiding open conflict.
The incident highlights the ongoing risks posed by unexploded munitions in southern Lebanon, a legacy of past conflicts. Andrea Tenenti, a spokesperson for UN peacekeepers in Lebanon, recently reported that troops had discovered a vast network of fortified tunnels in the same area, containing bunkers, artillery, rocket launchers, and hundreds of explosive shells and rockets.
UNIFIL will continue to support the Lebanese Armed Forces in their work to restore stability. As Abagnara noted, “Several dedicated Lebanese soldiers were killed and others injured, simply doing their job to restore stability and avoid a return to open conflict. Sincere wishes for a full and fast recovery for the injured”.