Lebanon President says Beirut explosion may have external interference.
Three days post the Beirut blast, Lebanon President says that through a rocket or bomb, the explosion could have been carried out; 157 have been declared dead.
On Friday, the President of Lebanon, Michel Aoun has said that the massive explosion which rocked the country’s capital city Beirut, is being investigated by a committee that is looking into the possibility of external interference. He said that investigation is underway to determine the cause of the Beirut blast and according to Reuters, he stated,” The cause has not been determined yet. There is a possibility of external interference through a bomb or a rocket or other act.”
Possibility of external interference will be explored, says Lebanon President:
The President revealed the stages of the investigation, which will be carried out at three levels. The first level will look into how the explosive material entered and was stored; the second phase will determine whether the blast was a result of an accident or negligence. In the final stage of investigations, the possibility of external interference will be explored.
Death toll rises to 157, three days after the Beirut explosion:
Meanwhile, the death toll due to the blast reached 157, with more than 5000 people being injured. Rescue teams and volunteers continue to search for both survivors and bodies through the debris, as the Lebanese Red Cross reported at least a total of 100 people missing.
For seven years, 2750 tons of highly volatile ammonium nitrate was stored at a warehouse in Beirut’s port.
UN demands a separate investigation on the Beirut blast:
The United Nations Human Rights Office has urged for an independent investigation into the mysterious blast. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights spokesperson Rupert Colville demanded a separate probe must be done to give justice to the deceased and their families. In other news, the French team consisting of 22 members, has begun its investigation on the matter.
