Lebanese Army Increases Beirut Patrols Amidst Heightened Tensions with Hezbollah

The Lebanese Armed Forces have intensified patrols in Beirut and its surrounding southern suburbs in response to a surge in tensions involving Hezbollah supporters. The army released images showcasing heavily armed convoys navigating the capital and the establishment of temporary checkpoints aimed at apprehending wanted individuals and those disrupting public order. This heightened tension is partly attributed to the recent discovery of half a tonne of explosives by Lebanese authorities, which were intercepted before Hezbollah could transport them to the capital's suburbs, an area where the group maintains a significant presence. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has mandated an expansion of the investigation into the explosives seizure at the Dahr Al Baidar checkpoint in the Bekaa Valley. The United States has also commented on the situation, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to ensure that any explosives seized from Hezbollah are not returned to the group. Hezbollah, an Iran-backed political party and armed organization in Lebanon, has claimed ownership of the 250kg of TNT-type explosives and 250kg of C4, stating their intended use was against Israeli military forces occupying parts of southern Lebanon. The group had demanded the release of the two drivers and the explosives. The seizure of these explosives, which escalates tensions surrounding the Lebanese government's efforts to disarm Hezbollah, led to gatherings of the group's supporters to demonstrate their backing. Further complicating matters was an incident in the Gallerie Semaan neighborhood, on the outskirts of Beirut's southern suburbs. Following a directive from prosecutors, police were dispatched to raid a warehouse containing spoiled medicines. According to the Internal Security Forces (ISF), they were quickly surrounded by a group of young men on motorcycles who attempted to obstruct the raid. The army was subsequently deployed to de-escalate the situation. Mohammed Qassem, son of Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem, issued a statement on Sunday denying any connection to the warehouse, addressing rumors circulating on social media. Hezbollah stated that the incident occurred after the ISF entered the premises without adhering to the established procedures between the group and security authorities.