Geagea says Hezbollah chain of command must be dismantled over explosives bust

by Naharnet Newsdesk 12 October 2026, 12:29

Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea said the hundreds of kilograms of explosives that were busted at the Dahr al-Baydar checkpoint "were probably intended to be used inside Lebanon," called on the state to continue its investigation "even if it should include (Hezbollah chief Sheikh) Naim Qassem."

In an interview with French-language daily L'Orient-Le Jour, Geagea said the incident is "the most dangerous in years," calling on the state to take a firm stand and complete its efforts to establish a monopoly on weapons.

"It's not just a dangerous incident. It's the most dangerous incident in years. Especially since the weapons seized included C-4, which is generally used in assassinations," Geagea said. "Then there is another indicator that must be taken into account: the shipment was headed from the Bekaa to Beirut. If the weapons in question were really intended for use against Israel, the vehicle could have taken another route to reach south Lebanon."

"All this leads me to say that these weapons were probably intended for use inside Lebanon," he added.

"The military institution announced about two weeks ago that it had seized 250 kilograms of explosives. If the Dahr al-Baydar case were now to end with just two arrests, it would be a real scandal," Geagea said.

He added: "It's not just the car's driver and his companion who should be arrested. The investigation should continue until the entire chain of command is dismantled, even if it includes Naim Qassem," he said. "This time, we will not accept the case ending with two minor arrests."

Asked what message he wanted to send President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam after the incident, Geagea replied: "What happened shows that it is dangerous not to act." He called for state institutions to be "cleansed of elements close to Hezbollah," arguing that "they cannot stand up to the militia."

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