Lebanese Interior Ministry Reveals Cause of Beirut Port Explosion

An explosion of hazardous ammonium nitrate (ammonium saltpetre) has occurred at the Beirut port. As reported by the TASS news agency citing the Al-Hadath television channel, this was announced by Lebanon's Interior Minister Mohamed Fahmy.

Meanwhile, the Al-Mayadeen television channel stated that security forces reported that the explosion was triggered by smuggled goods seized from a ship nine years ago, which constituted explosive material. This cargo had been stored in the port's warehouse over the years for further processing or destruction.

It is noted that a report was prepared four months ago regarding the dangers of storing such cargo at the maritime port. According to some data, a short circuit occurred in the warehouse, leading to a fire, which in turn ignited the nitrate.