Lebanon seizes $2.5M destined for Hezbollah in ‘unprecedented’ airport bust
A man was reportedly detained at Beirut’s airport for allegedly carrying $2.5 million in cash destined for the Lebanese terrorist group Hezbollah. The bust was described as “unprecedented” by experts, with the detainee and the seized funds set to be handed over to the investigation division at the General Directorate of General Security, according to Lebanon’s finance ministry.
David Daoud, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, commented on the situation, stating that the $2.5 million seizure was unprecedented. He also highlighted that the money was coming from Turkey, aligning with Israeli claims that Turkey is being used as a conduit by the Iranians to funnel funds to Hezbollah.
The funds seized were intended for Hezbollah, which has been weakened by recent military actions by Israel. Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon mentioned that Hezbollah is attempting to regain strength and rearm with the assistance of Iran.
There has been no immediate reaction from Hezbollah following the detainment of the individual carrying the cash. The recent war between Israel and Hamas led to cross-border skirmishes with Hezbollah, including ground operations on Lebanese soil, until a ceasefire deal was reached.
Former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in Lebanon by an Israeli airstrike in September. The funeral of Hassan Nasrallah and Hashem Safieddine was attended by mourners at the Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium on the outskirts of Beirut.
The detainment of the individual at Beirut’s airport highlights the ongoing tensions and conflicts in the region involving Hezbollah, Iran, and Israel. The situation serves as a reminder of the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the Middle East.
