The deadly blast that rocked a base of the Liberation of Palestine – General Command (PFLP-GC) in eastern Lebanon on May 31 was not caused by an Israeli strike, U-News reported.
An unnamed security source told the news outlet, which is close to Hezbollah, that the blast at the front’s base was likely the result of what he called a “self-detonation”.
Initial reports said that the blast may have been the result of an old rocket going off in an arms depot or mines exploding while they were being moved. Photos from the scene also showed munitions scattered near the entrance to a tunnel in the base, which is located in the town of Qousaya in the Bekaa Valley, near the border with Syria.
Still, the PFLP-GC held Israel responsible for the blast, which killed five of its fighters and left at least ten others wounded. Senior officials from the front vowed to respond to the alleged attack.
The PFLP-GC is a left-wing armed group that broke off from the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine in 1968. Since then, it has been mainly based in the Yarmouk refugee camp in Damascus, as well as in the Burj al-Barajneh refugee camp in Beirut.
The front is a close ally of Hezbollah, who warned Israel on several occasions against launching any attack against Lebanese territory.
The blast at Qousaya base came as Israel is holding a large-scale drill simulating a potential multi-front war. The blast will not likely lead to any further escalation as there is no solid evidence confirming that Israel was directly, or indirectly responsible.
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