Three years ago, Lebanon experienced the largest non-nuclear explosion in history. The Beirut port blast killed over 220 people and injured thousands of others.
ATFL remains steadfast in its support of the victims and their families of the port explosion who demand a just investigation. The Lebanese people and the international community have been calling for accountability for those responsible for storing a large amount of ammonium nitrate that detonated at the port. Three years later, there has yet to be a complete investigation and those responsible remain shielded by a politically compromised judicial process. It is time that those responsible, at all levels of government, be brought to justice.
This anniversary comes at the backdrop of a grinding economic and social collapse, and amidst a presidential vacuum and political paralysis. ATFL hopes this solemn anniversary will inspire Lebanon’s political leaders to finally unite in addressing the urgent demands of the Lebanese people.
We continue to champion a vision for a Lebanon that is democratic, pluralistic, prosperous, and sovereign. We know what this anniversary means to the Lebanese people. ATFL, together with the Lebanese American community, has been engaged with policymakers here in Washington, DC to encourage the United States to play a leading role in bringing justice to the victims of the port blast and in Lebanon’s recovery.
Please find below links to the latest news of the August 4th blast commemoration, including ATFL’s webinar, our op-ed, and statements from the US government.
-Ambassador (ret.) Ed Gabriel, President of the American Task Force on LebanonATFL WEBINAR
The Beirut blast is a case that outraged the world and inspired an insistent public demand for accountability. Yet, three years later, no progress has been reported. Can the United States help support the pursuit of accountability for the Beirut port explosion?
Our panelists discussed what options exist and how they fit into a broader Lebanon response plan.
ATFL has worked closely with the US government to push for accountability and justice for the Beirut port blast victims and their families. Here are the latest statements from US officials on the need for accountability.US State Department: Press Statement
Letter from Senator Jim Risch (R-ID), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, to President Biden:
"As we approach yet another anniversary of the explosion that decimated the port of Beirut, I write to express my deep skepticism of the U.S. approach to Lebanon. American patience for Lebanon's political stalemate is not infinite, and the current policy of life support while we wait on Lebanon's political class to make reforms has failed to deliver results. We must take a more assertive role in shaping Lebanon's trajectory, or risk losing Lebanon entirely."
Letter from Representatives Darrell Issa, Darin LaHood, and Max Miller to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken:
"As you know, this Friday, August 4, 2023, will mark the third anniversary of the tragic and historic explosion in the Port of Beirut which heightened the public outcry for electoral reform and representative government. The economic and humanitarian collapse of the country that came further into focus after the blast has left over three-quarters of the population living in poverty as the economy continues to fail, and the judicial review and judgment process of the Beirut Port blast remains at a standstill.
