BEIRUT – The FBI will cooperate with Lebanese and other international investigators in the probe of the massive explosion at the port of Beirut that killed more than 170 people, causing thousands of wounded and widespread destruction, a U.S. diplomat said Thursday.
Lebanese authorities have invited the FBI to take part, and it is one way Washington can help the country deal with the aftermath of the disaster, said U.S. Secretary of State for Political Affairs David Hale as he toured nearby Gemayezeh, which was damaged by the Aug 4 blast.
“The FBI will soon join Lebanese and international investigators at the invitation of the Lebanese to help answer questions I know everyone has about the circumstances leading up to this explosion,” he told reporters.
It is not yet known what caused the fire responsible for ignoring nearly 3,000 tons of ammonium nitrate stored in the port of Beirut for years. But documents have emerged showing that the country’s top leadership and security officials were aware of the situation. French researchers are also taking part in the probe.
The U.S. embassy said in a statement that Hale had “reiterated the United States’ commitment to help the Lebanese people recover from the tragedy and to rebuild their lives.” He will also emphasize the “urgent need” for fundamental reform by Lebanon’s leaders.
To date, Washington has provided $ 18 million in humanitarian assistance provided by the U.S. Agency for International Development and the Department of State and Defense.
The United States is one of the largest donors to the Lebanese army. But Washington considers Hezbollah, a powerful political player in government and parliament, a terrorist group. U.S. officials have expressed concern about not providing aid to the Hezbollah-backed government.
The government resigned Monday, nearly a week after the blast that killed more than 170 people, injured at least 6,000 and destroyed the capital’s port and caused widespread damage in the capital. The government remains in a capable capacity.
LEBANON ACTIVITIES FIXED MILITARY CRACKDOWN Under state of emergency
On Thursday, the Lebanese parliament approved a state of emergency in Beirut in its first session since the explosion, blaming military forces for growing popular anger at official corruption and mismanagement and political uncertainty.
The disaster has sparked popular anger against Lebanon’s leaders to a new level as the country faces an unusual economic and financial crisis, along with the coronavirus pandemic.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Before announcing the dismissal, the government declared a state of emergency that gave the army the power to declare happiness, prevent public meetings and censor the media, as citizens also refer to military tribunals for proven security breaches. The action demanded approval by lawmakers, who granted it Thursday.
The move has been criticized by legal groups and others who say the civilian government is already working with increased forces due to the outbreak of coronavirus. Some pointed to the military disruption of Protestants last week, fearing that the expanded forces could lead to dissent of silence.
