What is Happening at Beirut Port and What Is Hezbollah's Role?
A Western security source told Al Arabiya that Hezbollah has once again set its sights on Beirut Port and reasserted its control over it, as the facility gradually returns to normal operations following the August 4, 2020 explosion.
According to the source, Iran’s Quds Force is relying on smuggling operations via the sea, either directly to Lebanon or through intermediary countries, using Unit 190, led by Shahriari, and Unit 700, led by Gol Farest.
The source claimed that Hezbollah operates freely within Beirut Port through a network of collaborators within the customs authority and port oversight mechanisms, managed by Hezbollah security official Wafiq Safa.
Safa, the source alleged, is working through his agents at the port to facilitate the smuggling of equipment, weapons, and money without inspection or oversight.
The Western security source warned that Hezbollah’s use of Beirut Port, Lebanon’s most critical maritime hub, endangers Lebanese interests and threatens foreign investments that support the country’s reconstruction and development.
The source added that the Lebanese state must act urgently in light of Hezbollah’s violations and plans for Beirut Port, which could lead to a repeat of the August 2020 disaster.
