 "Hezbollah looking to start smuggling weapons from Iran via sea: Report")
Hezbollah is using a naval route to smuggle weapons from Iran to Lebanon, following the significant shutdown of its overland and air supply channels, according to a report, citing a Western official.
According to Times of Israel, citing a report in the Saudi al-Hadath news outlet, Hezbollah is reestablishing control over Beirut’s seaport, which was severely damaged in a massive explosion in 2020 when stored ammonium nitrate ignited, resulting in hundreds of fatalities and widespread destruction throughout the Lebanese capital.
Efforts to investigate Hezbollah’s involvement in storing explosives at the civilian site have consistently faced obstacles from politicians and individuals linked to the group.
The Western source expressed concerns that Hezbollah’s renewed control of the port could jeopardise its operations as Lebanon seeks to recover from last year’s military campaign against the Iranian proxy.
Following the fall of Bashar Assad late last year, it is believed that Iran’s overland route through Syria for weapon smuggling has come to an end.
Israel has also warned that it may target Beirut’s international airport if it is used for transporting Iranian arms, as Hezbollah aims to re-arm after the conflict.
The report identifies several Hezbollah and Iranian officials involved in establishing the maritime route, including members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps Quds Force.
With inputs from agencies
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