The death of six soldiers in a powerful explosion at a Hezbollah arms depot during a dismantling operation in the Tyre district on Saturday drew tributes and condemnations by Lebanese officials and politicians.
President Joseph Aoun contacted Army Commander Gen. Rodolphe Haykal to learn the details of the tragedy, expressing “deep sorrow” and honoring “the sacrifice of soldiers who fell for Lebanon’s sovereignty.”
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam declared, “The entire nation bows before the courage of our soldiers who fell in the line of duty,” stressing that the army remains “the pillar of sovereignty and national unity.”
Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri offered his condolences to the Lebanese Army and to the families of the soldiers who fell in the South. He praised “a national institution that constantly sacrifices to preserve Lebanon’s unity, security, and sovereignty.”
On the international front, U.S. ambassador in Turkey and President Donald Trump’s envoy to Syria and LebanonTom Barrack, extended his “deepest condolences to the families of the martyrs, and to the people of Lebanon, on behalf of President Trump and the American people.” “We mourn these brave soldiers who dedicated their lives to defending Lebanon’s security and safety,” Barrack said in a message to President Aoun, adding that “the United States stands with Lebanon in this sad moment.”
Defense Minister Michel Menassa described the troops as having “joined their comrades who fell defending the South,” and called for unwavering support for the military. The Interior Ministry extended condolences to the army and families of the victims, calling the soldiers’ demise a proof of “the heavy sacrifices made to protect Lebanon’s sovereignty.”
Among the political reactions, Kataeb leader Sami Gemayel denounced “the dangers posed by the illegal presence of non-state weapons on Lebanese territory.” MP Raji El-Saad spoke of a “battle to restore the state’s sovereignty over the entire territory,” while Walid El-Baarini (National Moderation) stressed that “Lebanon’s sovereignty is not negotiable, and the sacrifices of the army must not be exploited.”
Finally, the Progressive Socialist Party called for national unity around the army, emphasizing its role as “the sole guarantor of stability in such an unstable phase.”
The explosion has reignited debate over Hezbollah’s weapons outside state control and the dangers faced by the Lebanese army in areas under the group’s influence. Hezbollah has yet to issue a statement.
The army has opened an investigation to determine the exact cause of the blast.
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