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    US Secretary Rubio Calls for Lebanon to Maintain Control of Confiscated Hezbollah Explosives

    Section editor: ·Moderate3 articles covering this·3 news sources·Updated an hour ago·MENA
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    Infographic showing the 780 kg of explosives seized in Lebanon, highlighting the Hezbollah connection and regional implications.

    What happened

    US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to retain confiscated explosives linked to Hezbollah during a recent phone call.

    The Context

    • Lebanon's commitment: Following a ceasefire in November 2024, Lebanon declared all non-state military activities illegal in March 2026, aiming to consolidate arms under state control.
    • Hezbollah's actions: Despite government efforts, Hezbollah continues to attempt arms transport for operations against Israeli forces, highlighting ongoing security challenges.
    • International pressure: Rubio's call emphasizes US diplomatic efforts to ensure accountability and prevent the return of explosives to Hezbollah, which could escalate tensions.

    The Number

    780 kg

    — the quantity of explosives seized, including 250 kg of TNT and 550 lb of C4, underscores the scale of the threat and the importance of effective arms control in the region.

    Takeaway

    Ongoing diplomatic engagements are likely to shape Lebanon's security landscape and influence regional stability in the coming months.

    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...