Lebanese party alleges hand of the US, Israeli spy agencies behind Beirut port explosion

Wakim claimed the FBI, and other US intelligence agencies along with the Mossad, conspired to stage the explosion that devastated the Beirut port on August 4

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New Delhi: Almost a month after a powerful chemical explosion rocked the city of Beirut and nearby regions – a Lebanese political party has alleged that it was the United States and Israeli spy services that triggered the deadly blast.

At least 190 people died, more than 6,500 others were injured, and a substantial swathe of Beirut was destroyed in the explosion on August 4, caused by some 2,700 tonnes of ammonium nitrate at the port.

According to Najah Wakim, president of the People’s Movement in Lebanon, the US intelligence agencies working with the Israeli spy unit – Mossad, conspired to stage the explosion. “Beirut’s port was blown up by American and Israeli spy services,” Wakim told international news agencies. He added that the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced a probe into the incident in order to hide the reality that lies behind the blast.

“They’re after hiding the truth similar to what happened in the case of former prime minister Rafiq Hariri’s assassination,” Wakim said while citing a 2005 explosion in Beirut that killed the ex-premier and others, setting off a supposedly United Nations-backed investigation and an endless trend of questions.

Also Read: Major fire erupts at Beirut port, month after the deadly explosion

Wakim continued by stating that the future will prove Washington’s role in the tragedy. He also trained his gun on French President Emanuel Macron, who he claims to have visited Lebanon at the behest of the United States, to prevent the implementation of an innovative Russo-Chinese intervention in the aftermath of the explosion. Macron first visited Beirut soon after the explosion and paid another visit to the city last Tuesday, dishing out ultimatums to the Lebanese officials to implement ‘reforms’ or face ‘sanctions’.

The powerful explosion, amid the coronavirus pandemic, has been followed by serious other upheavals in the country, including thousands-strong rallies, attempts at breaking into the parliament by the protesters, and the resignation of the entire government of Prime Minister Hasan Diab.

The Lebanese resistance movement of Hezbollah that defends the country against Israel and interventionist efforts by Tel Aviv’s allies, most notably the United States, has called for accountability for the explosion, while strongly urging countrywide unity and integrity.

Lebanon Shoots Down Israeli Spy Drone

Meanwhile, on 10 September, the Lebanese Army claimed that an IDF drone was shot down in Southern Lebanon.

According to the official statement released by the Lebanese Army, the Israeli drone penetrated the Lebanese airspace and was downed in the Aita ech Chaab area. The IDF confirmed the downing of the drone and said “There is no concern about information leaking.”