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Blasts Near Beirut Airport Creates Panic, Plane Lands After 40 Minutes Of The Explosions

Large explosions and a fire were reported near Beirut's international airport on the night of 20 October, filling the area with thick smoke. Planes had landed shortly before the blasts, as observed from nearby Baabda, amid escalating tensions between the Israeli army and Hezbollah. Following Israel's warnings of impending attacks on sites associated with Hezbollah's financial operations, hundreds of residents fled their homes late on Sunday. A flight from Dubai landed at Beirut's International Airport in the early hours of Monday, approximately 30 to 40 minutes after the explosions occurred, with smoke still visible during its descent. There was no immediate information on the cause of the explosions or any potential casualties. Witnesses reported that panicked crowds clogged the streets, causing traffic jams as people sought refuge in neighbourhoods they believed to be safer. The situation highlights the growing instability in the region.

first published: Oct 21, 2024 03:44 pm