Lebanese Media Reports Citing Judicial Authorities: Authorities Seized Goods 9 Years Ago but Did Not Dispose, Stored at Port
[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Local media in Lebanon has sparked controversy by revealing that Lebanese authorities were aware of the dangers of the 2,750-ton ammonium nitrate, identified as the direct cause of the Beirut explosion, in advance. It is known that the Lebanese authorities seized the ammonium nitrate, which had been shipped 9 years ago, but stored it in a warehouse without disposing of or reprocessing it.
On the 4th (local time), Lebanese local TV channel Al Mayadeen cited a Lebanese judicial official saying, "This explosion was caused by ammonium nitrate stored at the port, which was seized by authorities 9 years ago," and added, "It has been kept in a warehouse at the port while discussions on reprocessing procedures were ongoing after the seizure." The report also stated, "Four months ago, a report was submitted to the authorities warning that a large amount of explosive material stored at the port was dangerous." This means that despite Lebanese authorities being aware that a large quantity of ammonium nitrate was stored at the port, they failed to respond properly.
Earlier, Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab issued an emergency statement immediately after the accident, saying, "I swear to the martyrs and the injured that those responsible for this disaster will pay the price." Prime Minister Diab emphasized, "The reason why this dangerous warehouse has been there for six years since 2014 will be announced. However, for now, we will focus on managing the disaster and treating the injured rather than investigating."
Lebanese President Michel Aoun also declared a two-week national emergency and designated Beirut as a disaster area immediately after the Supreme Defense Council meeting that day. He announced the formation of a special investigation team for the explosion accident, promising to announce the cause of the accident within five days and punish those responsible. The Lebanese presidential office stated, "President Aoun said it is unacceptable that a large amount of ammonium nitrate was stored in the Beirut port warehouse for six years without any safety measures and vowed to find those responsible and impose the highest penalties." The exact cause of the explosion has not yet been determined.
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