Defense Secretary Won't Prop Up Trump's Claim About Beirut Explosion

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper on Wednesday contradicted President Donald Trump's earlier claim as to the cause of the explosion in Beirut, Lebanon.

CNN reports Esper said 'most believe' that the explosion 'was an accident, as reported.'

On Tuesday evening, Trump called it 'a terrible attack.'

It's known that about 2,750 metric tons of ammonium nitrate had been stored at a port warehouse for the past six years.

It's also known that the highly explosive material was stored 'without preventive measures.'

The deadly explosion has claimed at least 135 lives, including one US citizen, and injured thousands.

I will not rest until we find those responsible for what happened, hold them accountable, and impose maximum punishment.

Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab