Judicial authorities near end of preliminary probe in Hezbollah-linked explosives case, report says

Judicial authorities are close to finishing the preliminary investigation into an explosives case linked to Hezbollah, according to a report by Asharq al-Awsat that Naharnet relayed on 29 October 2026. That would allow charges to be filed against seven suspects. Charges have yet to be filed.

Government Commissioner to the Military Court, Judge Claude Ghanem, was expected to receive the preliminary investigation records within hours. The Lebanese Army's Intelligence Directorate and the Internal Security Forces' Information Branch compiled them. Ghanem is to review the records and bring charges that match the suspects' actions. The specific charges are not yet known.

A judicial source expects charges to be filed on Thursday against those whose responsibility has been established. The source said: "charges will be filed on Thursday against the individuals whose responsibilities have been established in this case."

The same source said only two people have been arrested. They are the two who were inside the truck carrying the explosives. The source said reports of a further arrest were inaccurate.

The source alleged that the investigation has identified five other suspects. The source alleged that Sajid, described as a Hezbollah security figure, is suspected of delivering the explosives in Baalbek. The source alleged that Zulfiqar, who holds a security post, was supposed to receive them in Beirut's southern suburbs. The source also named the wife of one of the detainees and the owner of the truck as suspects. These are unproven allegations from a single source, and none of the five has been charged.

The source said the investigation uncovered the real names of those involved. Arrest, search and bench warrants have been issued for some of them and are being executed. It is not known whether any official source has confirmed the alleged Hezbollah links.

The case is expected to continue before the Military Court until the government decides whether to refer the file to the Judicial Council. Whether the government will refer it is not yet known.

Justice Minister Adel Nassar reiterated his insistence on referring the case to the Judicial Council. He said "the gravity of the file goes beyond transporting and storing explosives to posing a threat to national security and civil peace." That is the minister's statement, not a confirmed finding.