Lebanon president says he knew of chemicals at port in July

Lebanon's president is confirming top leaders and security officials were aware of the 2750 tonnes of highly explosive ammonium nitrate stored in a waterfront warehouse since 2013.

Michel Aoun says he was told nearly three weeks ago about the massive stockpile of explosive chemicals and immediately ordered action taken.

But he says he had no authority over the facility.

President Michel Aoun said several governments in charge since 2013 received repeated warning about the material.

Aoun is suggesting the explosion was either an act of negligence or "external intervention" by a missile or a bomb.