Ammonium nitrate is used in the manufacture of explosives and is an element in the manufacture of fertilizers.
Reuters reported that government officials had been warned of the warehouse’s danger in July. The documents allege that customs officials requested the removal of the huge treasure, but never got a response.
After protesters stormed several ministries, the country’s entire wardrobe resigned on August 10, with Prime Minister Hassan Diab accusing his predecessors and a political elegance whose “corruption is what leads seven years to this hidden crisis.”
Anti-government protesters placed symbolic ties in Beirut’s Martyrs’ Square to hang politicians whose corruption and oblivion blamed the explosion.Among the cardboard clippings hanging from the protesters were those of Aoun and hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
Contributed to this report.