The Lebanese government has vehemently denied a report by The Telegraph claiming that Hezbollah has been storing weapons at Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport. Transport Minister Ali Hamieh, in a series of statements and press conferences, refuted the allegations, describing them as unfounded and damaging to Lebanon’s reputation.Hamieh stressed that the airport operates under strict security measures enforced by Lebanese Customs and Airport Security, and that the claims are based on unknown sources. He emphasized the importance of the airport as a hub for travelers and denounced any threats to its safety, particularly from Israeli airspace violations. The minister has also accused The Telegraph of engaging in a smear campaign against Lebanon, with the support of Israeli interference.In response to the allegations, Hamieh has invited media representatives and ambassadors to visit the airport facilities to see for themselves that there is no weapons storage. The Lebanese government is preparing to file a lawsuit against The Telegraph for the report, which it says lacks transparency and is based on sensationalist media articles.The Lebanese Civil Aviation Authority and the Lebanese Air Transport Union have echoed the government’s denials, calling the accusations ‘lies’ and ‘fabrications’ and holding The Telegraph responsible for the safety of airport employees. They have urged local and international media to visit the airport and verify the situation for themselves.
Key points
- Lebanon denies The Telegraph’s report of Hezbollah storing weapons at Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport.
- Transport Minister Ali Hamieh invites diplomats and journalists to inspect the airport to disprove the allegations.
- Lebanese government plans to sue The Telegraph for the report, which it claims is part of a smear campaign.
