Hezbollah MP Defends Self-Defense After Lebanese Army Busts Explosives

What happened

Naharnet Lebanon reports that Hezbollah MP Ibrahim al-Moussawi described self-defense as "a natural right" after Lebanese army and security forces seized explosives that were suspected to belong to Hezbollah. Al-Moussawi rejected claims that the group was planning assassinations related to the explosives bust.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. The Lebanese army said it had confiscated approximately 245 kilograms of TNT, four explosive devices, eight detonators, and associated wiring in an operation involving smuggling from Syrian territory. The suspects fled back towards Syria, with the porous Lebanon-Syria border playing a role in cross-border arms movements.

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam responded firmly, pledging to pursue those involved in the illegal arms operation. He emphasized that the government would not tolerate weapons outside the legal framework, whether concerning possession, transport, or use. Salam acknowledged public anxiety over C4 explosives, citing the history of their use in political assassinations in Lebanon.

Known from the source

• Lebanese army seized approximately 245 kg of TNT, four explosive devices, eight detonators, and electrical wiring linked to detonators.
• Explosives were reportedly smuggled from Syrian territory into Lebanon; suspects fled back to Syria.
• Hezbollah MP Ibrahim al-Moussawi said self-defense is a natural right and denied claims of assassination plans.
• Prime Minister Nawaf Salam vowed firm action against illegal weapons and expanded investigations.
• C4 explosives historically used in political assassinations in Lebanon.

What remains unclear

Hezbollah's armed status remains a contentious issue. The group has historically resisted disarmament, and Lebanon’s authorities committed to this goal last year following the 2023-2024 conflict with Israel that further destabilized the region. Past UN-backed courts have linked Hezbollah operatives to political assassinations, though current responsibility for the seized explosives remains unconfirmed.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Verification of whether explosives seized belong to Hezbollah or another actor. Official confirmation of any arrests or suspects linked to the explosives bust. Statements from Lebanese army or security forces on investigation developments.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: Naharnet Lebanon. Open the source.