A Gateway To The Middle East

• Highly-explosive material blew up in Beirut port, says interior minister
• Beirut explosion blew up wheat port and grain silos in ‘city of hungry children’
• Explosion at Port of Beirut damages grain silos, terminal: reports
• UNIFIL ship docked in Beirut port was damaged and naval peacekeepers were injured
• The port boasts four basins, 16 quays and a general cargo area of 12 warehouses and a grain silo. One warehouse is used at the port to store “hazardous goods,” according to its website. The Beirut Naval Base also comprises part of the port.
• The port has grown to become one of the largest, busiest ports along the Eastern Mediterranean seaboard, and serves as the main entry point into the country along with the Beirut airport.
• Owned by the Lebanese government but is currently managed by a temporary committee led by Hassan Koraytem and six other members spanning several religious and political groups.
• Port of Beirut is among the top 10 seaports in the Mediterranean Sea and is considered the gateway to the Middle East