‘Possibility of External Interference’: Lebanon’s President Expands Blast Probe

Lebanon President Michel Aoun said an investigation into the biggest blast in Beirut’s history would examine whether “external interference” had a role.

Destruction is seen after a massive explosion in Beirut, Lebanon, on Aug. 5, 2020. Hassan Ammar/AP Photo

BEIRUT—Lebanon’s president said on Friday an investigation into the biggest blast in Beirut’s history would examine whether “external interference” had a role, as residents tried to rebuild their shattered lives and homes after the explosion.

The search for those missing intensified, as rescuers sifted rubble in a race to find anyone still alive after Tuesday’s explosion that killed 154, smashed up a swathe of the city and sent shockwaves around the region.