The Lebanese Army seized 200 kilograms of explosives Monday in the al-Qasr region near the Syrian border, marking the third such discovery this month. Following a separate interception of 500 kilograms of munitions near Dahr al-Baidar, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam vowed that his government would deal firmly with all weapons held outside state authority.
Border Interception in al-Qasr
On Monday, October 12, 2026, a Lebanese Army unit operating in the al-Qasr area of the Hermel district intercepted a shipment containing approximately 200 kilograms of explosive material. The individuals responsible for transporting the materials managed to flee back across the border into Syria before they could be apprehended.
While official military statements did not specify the exact chemical composition of the al-Qasr seizure, other reports provided additional detail. The military stated that the seized items have been handed over to the competent authorities, and coordination is underway to identify and apprehend the smugglers.
Security forces seize explosives at Dahr al-Baidar checkpoint
The border seizure occurred just days after security forces stopped a truck at the Dahr al-Baidar checkpoint, which links the Bekaa Valley to the Beirut area. Authorities discovered 500 kilograms of explosives inside the vehicle, split evenly between 250 kilograms of TNT and 250 kilograms of C4, according to a judicial source. Two individuals were arrested in connection with that incident. Reports indicate the detainees admitted to belonging to Hezbollah and claimed the explosives were intended for delivery to a contact in the southern suburbs of Beirut.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam addressed the situation on Monday via social media, emphasizing that the state would not tolerate weapons circulating outside of legal frameworks.
“But from my position as Prime Minister, I ask all Lebanese to be confident that we will not be lenient in pursuing the investigation and expanding it to identify all those involved in this criminal operation, and who is behind them, and to reveal their plans and goals, and to refer them all to the judiciary to receive the punishment they deserve.”
Nawaf Salam, Prime Minister of Lebanon
Salam further stated that his government will deal with the required firmness with any weapon outside the framework of legitimacy, in terms of possession, transport, and use.
He noted that C4 has been used in various political assassinations throughout Lebanon’s modern history, which has contributed to public anxiety regarding the discovery of the truck. This incident is part of a broader security challenge, as the Lebanese government had previously approved a plan in 2024 to disarm Hezbollah and tasked the army with its implementation.
Authorities intercept repeated shipments of smuggled explosives
The discovery of the al-Qasr shipment marks the third time authorities have intervened to stop high-grade explosives since the start of October 2026. Earlier this month, the military also reported seizing a quarter-ton of TNT smuggled from Syria. These events unfold as the Lebanese and Syrian authorities work to manage a 330-kilometer shared border that contains dozens of illegal crossings.
Security conditions have changed significantly following the recent conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, which left the group with a diminished arsenal and the loss of key leadership. The fall of the Assad regime in Syria removed a major source of support and a primary supply route for the group. In response to these ongoing internal and border security concerns, the Council of the European Union decided on Monday to create a support mission for Lebanon. The mission is designed to provide advice and assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces and the Internal Security Forces to enhance their control over national territory, border security, and domestic stability.
The military confirmed that the materials seized on Monday have been handed over to the appropriate judicial authorities for processing, and efforts remain ongoing to secure the border against similar smuggling attempts.
