Video: Massive Explosions in Beirut

Two very large explosions happened today in Lebanon’s capital of Beirut. Joyce Karam, a reporter for The National, a Middle East news outlet based in the United Arab Emirates, shares context and two video angles — the second angle is particularly jarring:

BREAKING: Explosions in Beirut #Lebanon

• 2 explosions in last 15 min
• One at Port, one inside Beirut
• Reports it’s near ex PM Hariri residence in city center
• Second very loud, shook city, houses
• This week is International Tribunal verdict into killing of Rafik Hariri

— Joyce Karam (@Joyce_Karam) August 4, 2020

UPDATE: Fmr PM Saad Hariri is fine following news.

Two explosions near port in Beirut #Lebanon , second one left lot of damages in houses and cars. Ambulances called to area.

Another video shows magnitude of when it happened pic.twitter.com/lV9p5qMxbu

— Joyce Karam (@Joyce_Karam) August 4, 2020

Update: Here is a look at the aftermath:

Fireworks explosion?! I felt like I’m dying, I still can’t believe it #Lebanon #Beirut pic.twitter.com/EMTS470FOH

— Ahmad M. Yassine | أحمد م. ياسين (@Lobnene_Blog) August 4, 2020

The Pentagon has provided a statement to Reuters:

In a statement on the Beirut explosion, the Pentagon says: "We are aware of the explosion and are concerned for the potential loss of life due to such a massive explosion."

— Idrees Ali (@idreesali114) August 4, 2020

Another video of the aftermath:

Another video I was just sent – incredible damage from shockwave on Charles Malek street. #Beirut #Lebanon pic.twitter.com/4U6TJLvugz

— Michael Downey (@mgdowney) August 4, 2020

Although Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made recent threats to Hezbollah, an Israeli official told the AP that Israel had “nothing to do” with the explosions.

Per Axios, Lebanon’s health minister has said that at least 30 people have died and 3,000 more were injured in the blasts. According to Reuters, Lebanon’s interior minister said “highly explosive” materials were used in the blast.

This is a developing story and we will provide any relevant updates.