On 4 August 2020, a large amount of ammonium nitrate stored at the port of the city of Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, exploded, causing at least 204 deaths, 7,500 injuries, and US$15 billion in property damage, and leaving an estimated 300,000 people homeless. A cargo of 2,750 tonnes of the substance had been stored… Continue reading Feb 2021. The Beirut Explosion
Tag: ammonium nitrate
Dec 2020. Lebanon PM Charged with Negligence
A Lebanese judge has reportedly charged caretaker Prime Minister Hassan Diab and three ex-ministers with negligence over August’s Beirut port explosion. Judicial sources said the four would be questioned next week about warnings they received over the unsafe storage of ammonium nitrate in a warehouse. A fire triggered the detonation of 2,750 tonnes of the… Continue reading Dec 2020. Lebanon PM Charged with Negligence
Sep 2020. Trump Sanctions Lebanon over Hezbollah
The US has put sanctions on two former Lebanese government ministers for allegedly providing material support to Hezbollah and engaging in corruption. Yusuf Finyanus and Ali Khalil were accused of ensuring contracts went to firms owned by Hezbollah, which the US considers a terrorist group, and moving money to associated institutions. There was no response… Continue reading Sep 2020. Trump Sanctions Lebanon over Hezbollah
Aug 2020. Beirut Explosion
August 2020. The disaster was preceded by a large fire at the Port of Beirut, on the city’s northern Mediterranean coast. In videos posted on social media white smoke could be seen billowing from Warehouse 12, next to the port’s huge grain silos. Shortly after 18:00 (15:00 GMT), the roof of the warehouse caught alight… Continue reading Aug 2020. Beirut Explosion