Deadly Device Explosions Rock Lebanon, Hezbollah Points Finger at Israel
A series of devastating explosions from communication devices ripped through southern Lebanon and Beirut’s southern suburbs, leaving a trail of destruction and sparking fears of escalating tensions in the region. The Lebanese Health Minister, Firas Abiad, confirmed the tragedy, stating that nine people, including a young girl, lost their lives, and a staggering 2,750 individuals were injured. A majority of the casualties were reportedly members of Hezbollah, the powerful political and militant group active in Lebanon.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the nation, with hospitals overwhelmed by the sheer number of casualties. The Lebanese Civil Defense reported that medical facilities in the south were stretched beyond capacity, forcing them to transfer injured individuals to other areas for treatment. In response to the crisis, Minister Abiad issued an urgent plea to all hospitals across Lebanon, urging them to open their doors to those in need.
Hezbollah wasted no time in assigning blame, issuing a statement that directly accused Israel of orchestrating the attack. The group characterized the incident as a blatant act of aggression targeting both civilians and its own members. Vowing that Israel would face consequences for its actions, Hezbollah emphasized that investigations were underway to uncover the full extent of the incident. The group also cautioned the public against spreading rumors and misinformation, warning that such actions could play into the hands of what they called “the Zionist enemy.”
The Lebanese government echoed Hezbollah’s sentiments, condemning the incident as a grave violation of the nation’s sovereignty. Meanwhile, Al Jazeera, citing its own sources, reported that the explosions originated from pager-like communication devices carried by individuals in various locations across Lebanon. The news outlet also revealed that the son of Hezbollah parliamentarian Ali Ammar sustained serious injuries in the incident.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, the Iranian embassy in Beirut confirmed that Iranian Ambassador Mojtaba Amani suffered minor injuries. According to the Fars news agency, he was taken to a hospital for a thorough examination. Reports also surfaced that two of the ambassador’s bodyguards were injured in the blast, though thankfully, no serious injuries were reported among the diplomatic staff.
Adding an international dimension to the tragedy, ABC News, citing a U.S. official, reported that a separate attack targeted over 50 individuals in Syria, coinciding with the explosions in Lebanon. This development has raised concerns about a potential link between the two incidents and the possibility of coordinated attacks.
Lebanese security sources have attributed the explosions to a remote breach of the targeted devices. They revealed that the devices, imported five months prior, were rigged with small explosive charges weighing no more than 20 grams. The Wall Street Journal, citing sources familiar with the matter, reported that the devices were part of a recent shipment received by Hezbollah. Adding another layer to the investigation, security firm Lopak International suggested that the explosions could have been triggered by malware that caused the devices’ batteries to overheat and detonate. Sources close to Hezbollah, speaking to the Associated Press, confirmed that the new devices were equipped with lithium batteries, lending credence to the theory of overheating as a potential cause.
As investigations continue, the world watches with bated breath, anxious to understand the full ramifications of this tragedy on the already volatile political and security landscape in Lebanon and the wider region.
