Lebanon: Explosions at Burj al-Shamali refugee camp, near Tyre, leave several people dead late Dec. 10 /update 1

Event

A series of explosions occurred at a weapons depot in the Burj al-Shamali refugee camp near Tyre late Dec. 10, killing and wounding several people. The most significant explosion was reportedly caused by the ignition of oxygen canisters. The weapons depot allegedly belongs to Hamas, a major Palestinian militant group. Lebanese security forces have arrived at the scene and have cordoned off the impacted area.

Security forces will likely maintain a heightened security presence around the site of the blast until the associated investigation concludes. Increased security measures will almost certainly prompt transport and business disruptions in the affected area over the coming hours and days.

Advice

Avoid the affected area. Prepare for lingering transport and business disruptions. Adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities. Seek alternative routes to circumvent the incident site.