Politics

Six years after the Beirut port explosion, Judge Tarek Bitar’s investigation has finally reached its last procedural stage. Bitar closed the investigation in March and sent the file to the Court of Cassation prosecutor’s office to review before he issues the long-awaited indictment.

Sweida remains largely outside the new regime’s control more than a year after devastating violence left thousands brutally murdered. Druze forces have consolidated under the National Guard and demand self-rule as the new regime cannot be trusted to protect the province.

Russia has struck the headquarters of Ukraine’s SBU security service in central Kyiv, with a drone reportedly targeting the office of acting intelligence chief Oleksandr Poklad. At least 12 people were injured.

President Joseph Aoun has signed Lebanon’s General Amnesty Law, ending a political battle that began years ago over Islamist detainees, drug offenders, prison overcrowding and competing sectarian demands.

Israel says it has taken operational control of Ali al-Taher, including Hezbollah’s underground complex beneath the strategic ridge. Israeli troops say they cleared two major tunnel routes after weeks of fighting and are now working to demolish the facility.

Israel has released Lebanese civilian Malek Ghazi in the first such handover since the latest war began. The U.S.-mediated deal is part of a deal expected to see five Lebanese detainees freed, after Lebanon assisted in the search for remains of Lebanese Jewish leaders killed during the civil war.