Lebanese soldiers deployed near the U.S. embassy, north of Beirut, on June 5, 2024. (Credit: Joseph Eid/AFP)
A pickup truck loaded with weapons and ammunition exploded in the Hermel highlands on Wednesday afternoon, following an exchange of fire with the Lebanese Army aimed at stopping a smuggling attempt, L'Orient Today's correspondent in the Bekaa reported Thursday.
According to initial reports, the army opened fire on the vehicle after its driver failed to comply with orders to stop at the Fissan checkpoint north of Hermel. While attempting to flee, the truck crashed into an electricity pole and caught fire. The driver reportedly escaped and remains at large.
Sources confirmed that the vehicle was carrying a significant cache of weapons and ammunition, intended for smuggling.
The explosion triggered a large fire in the rugged terrain of the Hermel region. Firefighting units were immediately dispatched to the area and are currently working to contain the blaze. Civil Defense reinforcements have also arrived on site to assist in the operation.
Reporting contributed by Sara Abdallah
