Lebanese army discovers unfinished tunnel in Byblos as PM vows crackdown on illegal arms

The Lebanese army has announced the discovery of an old, unfinished tunnel in the Aqoura area of Byblos district, confirming that it contained no equipment or materials. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam emphasized the need to prosecute those involved in the storage and transport of weapons outside state control, and to impose severe penalties on anyone endangering public safety.

In a statement accompanied by photos of the tunnel, the army explained that the discovery was made during a military unit's training exercises in the area. The military added that it is closely following up to determine the circumstances behind the tunnel's construction.

The discovery in Aqoura comes just days after another tunnel was found in the Fanar area, adjacent to Zaitariyeh, a neighborhood known for some support for Hezbollah.

Commenting on the issue of weapons storage and transport, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said: "The storage and transport of weapons outside state institutions requires judicial prosecution," stressing the need for legal action against those involved.

He added: "The harshest penalties must be imposed on anyone who transports or stores weapons and threatens the safety of citizens."