August 10, 2025 | 06:32 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - At least six soldiers from Lebanon were killed in an explosion at a weapons warehouse in Wadi Zibqin, Tyre district, near the Israel border on Saturday, August 9, 2025. According to a report by Al Arabiya, the Lebanese military stated that the explosion occurred while the unit was inspecting and dismantling the warehouse.
A military source said the explosion took place inside a Hezbollah military facility. The troops were in the process of moving remaining ammunition and explosives from the recent conflict between Israel and the group. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the explosion.
Weapon Disarmament Decision
Reported by CNA, the incident happened just days after the Lebanese government decided to disarm Hezbollah and tasked the armed forces to complete the process by the end of the year. This move was made amid pressure from the United States.
Hezbollah rejected the cabinet's decision. Iran, as the main supporter of the group, also opposed Beirut's move. "Tehran is certainly opposed to the disarmament of Hezbollah. Iran has always supported the people and the resistance of Lebanon and continues to do so," said Senior Advisor to the Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Condolences for the Soldiers
President Joseph Aoun also stated that he received direct information from Chief of the Armed Forces Rodolphe Haykal regarding the incident. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam paid tribute to the fallen soldiers in the line of duty, referring to the military as the protector of Lebanon's unity.
U.S. envoy Tom Barrack also expressed deep condolences for the loss of soldiers. Hezbollah legislator Ali Ammar also conveyed sincere condolences to the Lebanese military.
Commander of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) Major General Diodato Abagnara stated, "The soldiers were simply doing their job to restore stability and avoid a return to open conflict."
Tunnel and Weapon Discoveries
A few days before the explosion, UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti revealed the discovery of a defensive tunnel network in the same area. UN spokesperson Farhan Haq mentioned that the forces found stockpiles of artillery, rockets, landmines, and improvised explosive devices.
Since the ceasefire last November, only state institutions have been permitted to possess arms in Lebanon. The government ordered the military to devise a plan to disarm non-state actors by the end of August and demanded that Israeli forces withdraw from the five remaining occupied areas in southern Lebanon.
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