The Lebanese military investigative judge has issued arrest warrants for two individuals in connection with a major explosives seizure at the Dahr al-Baydar checkpoint, after the suspects identified themselves as members of Hezbollah during questioning. This incident occurs amid broader regional instability, including a humanitarian crisis in Sudan where over 5,000 families have been forced to flee the Blue Nile region to Damazin and Roseires, facing severe shortages of food, medicine, and shelter.
Security Forces Seize Explosives Hidden in a Vehicle
The investigation centers on the October 5, 2026, discovery of a Dodge Durango vehicle at the Dahr al-Baydar checkpoint. Security forces uncovered approximately 500 kilograms of explosives, split evenly between TNT and C4, according to reporting by Lebanon Debate. The two men detained at the scene, identified as Ali al-Kurdi and Haitham Amhaz, were formally interrogated by the First Military Investigative Judge, Ghada Bou Alwan.
During these proceedings, the suspects admitted to being members of Hezbollah and described themselves as war wounded. They maintained that the transport of the explosives was an assigned “security mission,” though they claimed ignorance regarding the specific contents of the cargo and stated they received no financial compensation for the task. The suspects alleged they had stopped in Baalbek for a meal before proceeding toward the checkpoint where they were apprehended. The suspects stated they did not know the identities of those who handed them the explosives, nor the individuals intended to receive the shipment in the Musharafiyah area of Beirut’s Southern Suburb.
Expanding the Scope of the Judicial Inquiry
The legal net has widened beyond the two men in custody. Judge Al-Hajj formally concluded the preliminary investigations conducted by the Information Branch on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, receiving reports that included surveillance camera footage and logistical data. This includes the analysis of surveillance footage and logistical data related to the shipment.
Court documents indicate that the prosecution has identified at least seven individuals as suspects. Beyond al-Kurdi and Amhaz, the list includes Muhammad Zuaiter, Ibrahim Habib (known as “Sajid”), Bilal Sabouri (known as “Zulfiqar”), Muhammad Hazima, Muhammad Ayoub, and a Russian national identified as Berina Krishinova, who is Amhaz’s wife. Another suspect, previously identified only by the moniker “Abu Haidar,” has been confirmed as Abdul Muttalib Nassar. Lawyer Maan Al-Asaad, representing the detainees, has filed a motion regarding the seven suspects being prosecuted in absentia, which the court is currently reviewing.
Intelligence Assessments Reveal Ongoing Illicit Shipments Across Borders
While the Dahr al-Baydar case remains the focal point, regional reports suggest this incident may be part of a broader logistical pattern. According to MTV Lebanon, intelligence assessments indicate that since May 2026, various shipments—ranging from drone components to explosive materials—have moved through land and sea routes. These reports claim that mountainous paths near the Lebanese-Syrian border and maritime routes involving “shadow fleet” vessels have been utilized to bypass standard inspections.
The judicial process in the Dahr al-Baydar case is now entering a more formal phase with the issuance of these arrest warrants. However, the investigation remains open regarding the identity of those who handed over the explosives, the ultimate recipients, and the high-level coordination behind the operations. The “Loyalty to the Resistance” bloc has reportedly expressed a stance of caution regarding the potential transfer of this case to the Judicial Council, pending further developments in the ongoing legal assessment.
The court has scheduled further sessions for the remaining suspects for November 17.
