⋯ At least a dozen arrested

Since the judicial order, 7 money changers have been arrested in Sidon and several in Zahrani (South Lebanon), including one in Sarafand. Among the top money changers, A. al-Halbawi surrendered to the Information Branch, while “Issa King” and Ali Nimr al-Khalil were arrested.

The latter, nicknamed “Ali Allah”, allegedly worked closely with OMT. The money transfer company would sell him the LBP he needed, and buy him USD, which they then sold back to the Central Bank. He was one of the most influential money changers.

As for Ali al-Halbawi—a doctor who owns a drug warehouse in Haret Hreik (Beirut)—, he was previously found guilty of hoarding medications during the height of the COVID-19 crisis. Thousands of pharmaceutical drugs (for allergies, cancer, immune disorders) were discovered in his warehouse in 2021.

⋯ When an Information Branch force raided the residence of a major money changer in the southern village of Majdal Selm, they discovered over $1 million in cash.

According to Financial Public Prosecutor Judge Ibrahim, speculators may face up to 3 ⁠years in prison and fines. However, the decision is ultimately up to the courts. He reaffirmed that the Financial Public Prosecution will continue carrying out its duties and making arrests.

In light of the severe weather, the Ministry of Education has left the decision of opening or closing public and private schools on the school administrations themselves.

Principals are expected to monitor weather fluctuations and determine if it's safe for students to attend.

🚨 Breaking: A major 7.8 magnitude, 10 kilometer deep earthquake occured on the Syrian-Turkish border at approximately 3:17 AM.

It was reportedly felt by a majority of Lebanese and Syrian residents.

⋯ Initial footage of the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Turkey.

⋯ More footage of the earthquake damage in a Spinneys supermarket branch in Lebanon. This is one of the strongest earthqakes felt in Lebanon in recent decades.

⋯ Turkish media: A large number of buildings were destroyed by the earthquake, and search and rescue teams have begun working through the debris.

⋯ Beirut as of now. Many residents evacuated their buildings during the quake and many are still in the streets.

Syria: A large number of buildings collapsed, there are casualties, and people are trapped under the rubble in Harem and Salqin.

⋯ In Turkey, 284 dead, 2323 injured and 1700 collapsed buildings were recorded so far. Rescue operations continue.

In Lebanon, however, there were no reported death or critical damage.

⋯ The Syrian opposition reports 147 dead and 340 injured, making the total number of victims on Syrian territory around 370 dead.

⋯ Video showing the destruction in Turkey.

⋯ An other trending video of the first moments of the earthquake in Turkey.

⋯ According to the Syrian government, the number of dead has risen to 248, and the number of injured to 700.

The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights claims that there are over 7,000 missing persons.

⋯ Footage of the destruction in Antioch.

⋯ Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati announces that Lebanon will be sending the army and civil defense units to Turkey to help against the current disaster. Additionally, he sent the minister of public works, Ali Hamieh, to Damascus to offer them help.

⋯ Erdogan: the number of dead has risen to 912 and injured to 5400.