A Lebanese judge has ordered two Hezbollah officials to appear for questioning in connection with the seizure of explosives earlier this month, a judicial source said on Thursday. The move comes as authorities continue their investigation into the transport of half a tonne of explosives linked to the Iran-backed group.

The explosives were intercepted on October 8 at a security checkpoint in Dahr Al Baidar, a town in eastern Lebanon, in a vehicle traveling towards Beirut. According to officials, those apprehended included two individuals affiliated with Hezbollah, one reportedly the son of a Hezbollah official.

Following initial inquiries, the judge identified two additional Hezbollah officials allegedly involved in the delivery and summoned them for questioning. Security agencies are currently attempting to locate these individuals to take them into custody.

Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah publicly acknowledged that the explosives belonged to the group, describing them as part of its capabilities intended for use against Israel. He demanded the release of those detained and called for the shipment to be returned, in an uncommon acknowledgement from the militant organization.

The incident has drawn international attention, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging Lebanese authorities not to return the seized explosives. Lebanese officials have reported the interception of three substantial shipments of explosives within the past month.

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has underscored the government’s commitment to addressing unauthorized weapons shipments firmly and in accordance with the law. “The authorities will deal with weapons outside the legal framework with the required firmness,” he stated, reflecting heightened efforts to prevent the illicit movement of arms within Lebanon.