Ghosn: Arms Smuggling Ship Should Not Be Topic of Political Speculation

Defense Minister Fayez Ghosn said on Friday that progress has been achieved in the investigations in the arms smuggling ship that was intercepted off the Batroun coast a week ago.

He said in a statement: “The investigations should be allowed to take their course and the issue should not be the subject of political speculation.”

“It is unacceptable that such an issue be the topic of debate,” he added.

Any attempt to meddle in the investigations will fail, stressed the minister.

“The army alone is capable of defending Lebanon and its borders,” declared Ghosn.

“It alone can thwart strife and protect stability,” he continued.

“This places everyone before a major responsibility towards the military institution through providing it with political and financial support, which will enable it to perform its duties throughout the country,” said the minister.

On April 27, the Lebanese navy successfully intercepted a ship, the Lutfallah II, off the Batroun coast as it was suspected of smuggling arms to Syria.

Three containers loaded with weapons were discovered on board.

Later on Friday, Military Tribunal Judge Saqr Saqr charged 21 individuals in the case.

Fourteen of the suspects are in custody, two remain at large, and the rest remain unidentified.