According to Reuters information, security experts warned the Lebanese government in July of the devastating consequences of a possible explosion in the port of Beirut. The 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate that probably led to the huge explosion last week were explicitly mentioned. According to the government, the chemicals had been stored unsecured in the port for six years.
The warning from the security experts went to Prime Minister Hassan Diab and President Michel Aoun. In the latest report by the Directorate-General for State Security there was a reference to a letter to the two politicians that was sent on July 20. The content of the letter does not appear from the report Reuters was able to see.
„I warned you“
A person familiar with the process said, however, that the letter contained the results of an investigation. It concluded that the chemicals needed to be secured immediately.
„There was a risk that the material, if it had been stolen, could be used for terrorist attacks,“ said the person who was involved in the formulation of the letter and does not want to be named. „I warned you that if it exploded, Beirut could be destroyed.“
Meanwhile, the number of victims rose to 165. About 20 people are still missing, said the Ministry of Health. The number of injuries is around 6,000. The search for victims in the rubble of the disaster continues.
Government resigned
Prime Minister Diab officially announced the end of his cabinet yesterday. The big political blocs must now agree on a successor.
