Candlelight Vigil Held in Republic Square in Memory of Beirut Explosion Victims

Yesterday, an explosion occurred at the port of Beirut, resulting in thousands of injuries and several dozen fatalities. Regarding the Armenian community, the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports that the number of Armenian fatalities due to the explosion currently stands at six.

A working group has been formed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to coordinate targeted assistance to Lebanon in collaboration with Lebanon's crisis management structures. The Armenian Embassy in Lebanon is in constant communication with local authorities to jointly assess the needs of the Lebanese side and the scope of assistance required. Simultaneously, contact is maintained with Armenian community organizations to evaluate their needs.

The Lebanese Ministry of Interior has identified the cause of the explosion, noting that explosive ammonium nitrate ignited at the port of Beirut. Al-Mayadeen television reported that security forces confirmed the blast was caused by contraband material seized from a ship nine years ago, which contained explosive substances. This cargo had been stored in the port's warehouse for further processing or destruction over the years.

It was noted that a report had been compiled four months ago regarding the dangers associated with the storage of such cargo in the maritime port.