Ahmedabad: A special report related to the Beirut explosion reads, Lebanese security officials of old warned the Prime Minister Hassan Daib and President Michel Aoun last month about the 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate stored in Beirut’s port posed a security risk and could destroy the capital if exploded.
According to the report, the General Directorate of State Security sent a letter to the President and PM on July 20.
Municipal authorities of Beirut claimed the Industrial chemical exploded very dangerously that destroyed most parts of the port. In this deadly blast more than 160 people lost their life, around 6,000 got injured and destroyed a number of buildings in the city.
“There was a danger that this material, if stolen, could be used in a terrorist attack” The officer to the media who was involved in writing the letter.
The media could not independently confirm his description of the letter but the Prime Minister’s office and the presidency did not respond to requests for comment about the letter.
After the heavy protest against the government in Lebanon Hassan Diab’s government resigned, his government will remain as a caretaker administration until a new cabinet is formed.
Over the blast in Beirut, President of Lebanon Michel Aoun said “it is dangerous. I am not responsible! I don’t know where it was put and I didn’t know how dangerous it was. I have no authority to deal with the port directly. There is a hierarchy and all those who knew should have known their duties to do the necessary”.
Except the President and Prime Minister, letters were sent to the country’s courts and customs and security officials repeatedly urged judges to order the removal of the ammonium nitrate from its position so close to the city centre.
According to the media, The General Directorate of State Security submitted many requests.
“But until now, no decision has been issued over this matter. After consulting one of our chemical specialists, the expert confirmed that this material is dangerous and is used to produce explosives,” the General Directorate of State Security report said.
