The source of the explosion that shook the Lebanese capital is the flare-up of explosives. • Last year, Israel claimed that the port was used by Hezbollah to smuggle weapons from Iran. • Heavy damage was done to nearby neighborhoods.

A huge explosion took place today (Tuesday) in the seaport of the Lebanese capital Beirut, local media and photos and videos circulated on social media revealed. 

Photo: Reuters

The Qatari news network Al Jazeera reported that the explosion was caused by a flare-up of explosives stored at the port, but it was not stated for what purpose the explosives were kept at the scene and who served them. The released videos show a huge column of smoke billowing and a fire burning in the compound, additional documentation of the incident shows an explosion and a huge top wave rising from the port. 

The Syrian news agency Sana reported that there was an ammunition explosion in the 12th division of the port of Beirut. Sources in Lebanon told the media that the possibility of sabotage was ruled out, and that it was most likely an accident caused by poor storage. Photos posted on social media show that there was a huge explosion at the site that caused unprecedented damage to the neighborhoods surrounding the port. Al Arabiya news network reported dozens injured from the blast across the city.

Last year, senior Israeli officials accused the terrorist organization Hezbollah of using civilian facilities in the port to smuggle weapons from Iran into Lebanese territory. 

In addition, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously claimed that the terrorist organization uses civilian facilities in the Lebanese capital, such as the international airport and the city's football stadium, to hide medium-range missiles and prepare them for launch.