On August 4, 2020, a catastrophic explosion rocked the Lebanese capital of Beirut, originating from the port area where 2,700 tons of ammonium nitrate had been carelessly stored in a warehouse for several years. This highly volatile chemical compound is typically used in fertilizers and explosives, and its improper storage ultimately led to one of the most powerful non-nuclear explosions in history. A fire ignited the stored ammonium nitrate, triggering a massive blast that sent shockwaves through the city, damaging buildings and infrastructure up to several kilometers away. The explosion was so intense that it was felt as far as Cyprus, approximately 240 kilometers (150 miles) across the Mediterranean Sea.

The aftermath of the explosion was devastating, with preliminary reports indicating at least 220 fatalities and thousands more injured. The blast obliterated port facilities, shattered windows in nearby buildings, and displaced nearly 300,000 people from their homes. First responders, including Lebanese Army and civil defense units, worked tirelessly to rescue trapped individuals, provide medical aid, and secure the area. The incident ignited widespread outrage among the populace, as it was revealed that the ammonium nitrate had been stored in unsafe conditions for years, raising questions about governmental negligence and corruption.

Following the incident, protests erupted across the city as citizens demanded accountability from the Lebanese government and fundamental reforms in a country plagued by political instability and economic turmoil. The explosion not only underscored the vulnerabilities within Lebanon's infrastructure but also deepened the socio-political crisis that the nation was already experiencing. Many nations worldwide responded with offers of aid and support, but the situation ignited deep feelings of mistrust toward the ruling elites, further complicating Lebanon’s path to recovery.