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    US Secretary of State Rubio Presses Lebanon on Hezbollah Explosives Confiscation

    Section editor: ·Moderate3 articles covering this·3 news sources·Updated an hour ago·MENA
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    Infographic detailing the 780 kg of Hezbollah explosives and their significance in US-Lebanon diplomatic relations.

    What happened

    On October 16, 2026, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to permanently confiscate 780 kilograms of explosives seized from Hezbollah.

    The Context

    • Lebanon's commitment: Following a ceasefire in November 2024, Lebanon declared Hezbollah's military activities illegal and pledged to control all weaponry.
    • Ongoing tensions: Despite agreements, Israeli forces remain active in southern Lebanon, with Hezbollah continuing to attempt arms transport for operations against Israel.
    • International pressure: Rubio's call emphasizes US support for Lebanese security measures while addressing regional stability concerns.

    The Number

    780 kg

    — This is the amount of explosives intercepted from Hezbollah, underscoring the potential threat to regional security and the importance of arms control in diplomatic discussions.

    Takeaway

    Expect continued diplomatic engagement as Lebanon navigates internal security challenges and external pressures regarding Hezbollah's military capabilities.

    3 Articles
    Al Jazeera

    Rubio presses Lebanon on confiscation of weapons from Hezbollah

    U.S. Senator Marco Rubio has urged Lebanon to take decisive action in confiscating weapons from Hezbollah, emphasizing the need for the Lebanese government to assert control over all arms within its territory. This call comes as Lebanon's President J...

    Al Jazeera

    Rubio presses Lebanon on confiscation of weapons from Hezbollah

    U.S. Senator Marco Rubio has urged Lebanon to take decisive action in confiscating weapons from Hezbollah, emphasizing the need for the Lebanese government to assert control over all arms within its territory. This call comes as Lebanon's President J...

    Al-Monitor

    Rubio urges Lebanon to not return confiscated explosives to Hezbollah, US official says

    U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to ensure that confiscated explosives linked to Hezbollah are not returned. This conversation highlights ongoing concerns regarding Hezbollah's activities and the implications f...

    The National

    Rubio speaks to Lebanon’s Aoun about explosives seized from Hezbollah

    U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Lebanese President Michel Aoun regarding the recent seizure of explosives linked to Hezbollah, emphasizing the importance of ensuring these materials are not returned to the group. This conversation high...