Lebanon Purges Hezbollah From Beirut Airport, Crippling Smuggling Network
Following a crackdown by Lebanon’s new government, dozens of Beirut airport staff with Hezbollah ties have been dismissed, and smuggling has decreased significantly. This enforcement of existing laws has led to numerous arrests and increased scrutiny of all flights, including a suspension of flights from Iran since February. While Hezbollah acknowledges some successes in disarmament efforts, both US and Israeli officials express cautious optimism, noting that further action is needed to fully curtail Hezbollah’s influence at Lebanese ports. The changes mark a significant shift, with even Hezbollah representatives admitting to a change in circumstance.
John Q. Hosedrinker