In response to what "An-Nahar" reported about a security report concerning an alleged terrorist plan to blow up the columns of Baalbek Castle, Baalbek Governor Bachir Khodr confirmed in a post on the "X" platform that "this news is false and baseless, and the reason behind it is the resounding success of the tourism season in Baalbek this year, along with the large number of tourists, especially foreign ones, who are being targeted for intimidation." He added, "Leave Baalbek in peace!"
Minister of Culture in the caretaker government, Mohammad Wissam Al-Mortada, also commented on the news, stating: "It was inappropriate to throw such news amidst the immense attraction of Baalbek for tourists this year. Regardless of its validity, the columns of Jupiter remain a beacon and a symbol of a civilization unmatched on the planet. Therefore, it is not surprising that our enemies might consider targeting them with their dark and ignorant tools."
He continued: "In any case, we reassure the Lebanese that Baalbek and its castle are protected, sanctified by noble blood, and will remain majestic and proud despite the hatred of our enemies and the reckless actions of their tools. Its columns will stand tall and firm, and will shatter any passing clouds of evil in our region, whether Zionist or Takfiri, there is no difference; they are two sides of the same coin that reflect the reality of the enemies of humanity."
"An-Nahar" had published in its "Secrets of the Gods" section on Monday that a security source received a serious report indicating a plot by extremist groups to detonate the columns of Baalbek Castle as it is a pagan symbol, aiming to send a direct message to "Hezbollah" in its own stronghold.
