Daijiworld Media Network – Lebanon

Lebanon, Aug 10: At least six Lebanese soldiers were killed on Saturday in a deadly explosion while inspecting a weapons depot in southern Lebanon’s Wadi Zibqin area, the Lebanese military announced. Several other soldiers were injured, though exact numbers have not been disclosed.

The incident occurred as the army unit was dismantling the depot’s contents in the Tyre region. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the blast.

The Lebanese army, in coordination with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), has been dismantling Hezbollah’s military infrastructure as part of a ceasefire deal with Israel enacted last November. The explosion follows recent Lebanese government approval of US-backed plans to disarm Hezbollah—a move rejected by the group, which views it as serving Israeli interests.

Just days ago, UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti reported the discovery of a vast network of fortified tunnels and a large cache of weapons in the same area, including artillery, rocket launchers, explosives, and improvised devices.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam mourned the soldiers “killed while fulfilling their national duty,” while UNIFIL chief Diodato Abagnara extended condolences and reiterated support for the Lebanese Armed Forces in maintaining stability.