Hezbollah Allegedly Eliminates Four Lebanese Figures Linked to 2020 Beirut Explosion
Background on the Beirut Explosion
In August 2020, a devastating explosion occurred at the Port of Beirut, killing 218 people and injuring more than 7,000. The catastrophe was caused by the improper storage of approximately 3,000 tons of ammonium nitrate, which had been confiscated from a ship in 2014. The scale of the disaster led to significant nationwide protests and the resignation of Lebanon’s government shortly after the event.
Allegations of Targeted Killings by Hezbollah
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported on Tuesday that Hezbollah’s Unit 121 has allegedly assassinated four Lebanese public figures who were believed to pose a threat by potentially revealing the group’s involvement in the Beirut explosion. The IDF claims that these individuals were either customs officials or journalists who had pointed out the link between Hezbollah and the explosion.
The Victims
- Joseph Skaff: The former head of the Beirut Port customs department, Skaff was reportedly thrown from a height by Hezbollah members in 2017 after he raised concerns about the presence of ammonium nitrate in the port.
- Mounir Abu Ragili: Serving as the head of the Anti-Smuggling Unit, Ragili was assassinated in December 2020 by knife-wielding members of Unit 121, following his disclosures about Hezbollah’s connections to the explosive materials.
- Joe Bagiani: A journalist who was among the first to document the explosion site and was assisting the Lebanese army with the investigation, Bagiani was shot to death in December 2020. Attackers allegedly stole his mobile devstart before fleeing.
- Luqman Slim: A prominent political activist and journalist known for his criticism of Hezbollah, Slim was also shot dead in February 2021 shortly after discussing in an interview Hezbollah’s responsibility for the explosion.
Ongoing Investigations and Public Response
Hezbollah has denied involvement in these killings, and investigations into these cases remain inconclusive. The IDF highlighted that these incidents add to the list of high-profile assassinations linked to the organization, which includes former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. Lebanese citizens have expressed strong opposition to Hezbollah’s presence and actions, demanding accountability and an end to the group’s control over public life.
The shocking details surrounding the 2020 explosion and the subsequent alleged assassinations reflect ongoing tensions in Lebanon, where distrust in political and militant organizations continues to grow amid a deepening economic crisis.
Conclusion
As the situation develops, the IDF reiterates its commitment to exposing the violent actions of Hezbollah against the Lebanese populace while monitoring ongoing efforts to rehabilitate the organization’s image. The cooperation of Lebanese citizens in uncovering the truth behind these incidents is crucial as they seek juststart for the atrocities committed.