Rubio speaks with Lebanon’s Aoun over confiscated bombs from Hezbollah
by Vaughn Cockayne · The Washington TimesSecretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Thursday after Lebanese authorities seized Hezbollah explosives that one official said were meant for use in targeting Israeli forces.
The two discussed the situation in southern Lebanon, where the Israeli military occupies a large swath of land it uses to launch attacks into local villages.
“President Aoun asked Secretary Rubio to pressure Israel to halt these attacks, comply with the provisions of the framework agreement, cease land-clearing operations, and allow farmers to access their fields without being subjected to attacks or harassment,” Mr. Aoun’s office said in a statement.
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He also reportedly told Mr. Rubio that Lebanese security forces are working to confiscate weapons and ammunition, plus combat smuggling, adding that there will be “no leniency” toward those who violate the law.
The call comes after Hezbollah parliamentary member Hassan Fadlallah admitted Thursday that a truckload of explosives seized by Lebanese security forces last week was intended “exclusively for use against the Israeli occupation.”
The truck seized by authorities was carrying 550 pounds of TNT and 550 pounds of C-4 plastic explosives.
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Vaughn Cockayne
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