In a shocking series of coordinated blasts, pagers used by Hezbollah members exploded across Lebanon on Tuesday, killing at least nine people, including a young girl, and injuring approximately 2,800 others, according to Lebanese Health Minister Firass Abiad. The explosions, which began at around 3:45 p.m. local time and lasted for about an hour, also injured key figures, including Iran's ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani. More than 170 individuals are reported to be in critical condition, with victims suffering injuries primarily to their faces, hands, and stomachs.
Hezbollah and Lebanon Blame Israel
Hezbollah swiftly pointed fingers at Israel's MOSSAD for the pager explosions, calling the incident "criminal aggression" and promising retribution. In a statement, Hezbollah vowed that Israel would receive "its fair punishment" for the attacks. The Lebanese government also condemned the incident as an "Israeli escalation", with Information Minister Ziad Makary calling it a violation of Lebanese sovereignty.
Though the Israeli military & Secret Service has declined to comment, the incident is seen as part of the broader conflict between Hezbollah and Israel that has been escalating since the Gaza war erupted in October last year. Tensions have flared as Hezbollah has repeatedly engaged in cross-border skirmishes with Israel, while Israel has focused its efforts on the war against Hamas in Gaza.
The Scale of the Attack
The blasts primarily targeted Hezbollah's communication network, with numerous wireless devices detonating across the southern suburbs of Beirut, a Hezbollah stronghold, and other regions in Lebanon, including the Beqaa Valley and southern Lebanon. The explosions affected civilians and Hezbollah fighters alike, with many of the injured being sons of prominent officials within the group.
Among the dead were two Hezbollah fighters, while one of the critically injured was the son of Lebanese MP Ali Ammar, according to security sources. Videos circulated on social media showed the devastating impact of the blasts, with footage capturing victims lying wounded on the streets, some bleeding from severe injuries.
A Coordinated Cyber Attack?
Reports suggest that the attack may have been a coordinated cyber operation. According to independent military analyst Elijah Magnier, Hezbollah's decision to rely on pagers for communication was an attempt to avoid Israeli surveillance of mobile phones. However, experts speculate that the devices may have been tampered with before distribution, potentially allowing for remote detonation.
"This is a major security breach for Hezbollah", said Zeina Khodr, reporting from Beirut. "The group's communication devices have been compromised in what appears to be a sophisticated attack". Observers have noted that this breach marks the most significant challenge to Hezbollah's security infrastructure in over a year.
Hospital Overload & Health Ministry's Response
Hospitals across Lebanon were overwhelmed with casualties following the blasts. The Ministry of Health has placed all hospitals on maximum alert and warned citizens to distance themselves from wireless communication devices. Over 150 hospitals are currently treating victims, with emergency medical workers flooding the affected areas to help manage the crisis.
At the Nabatieh public hospital in southern Lebanon, more than 40 patients were admitted with injuries ranging from facial wounds to damaged limbs. Health Minister Firass Abiad urged medical workers to report to their posts to assist with the influx of patients.
Escalating Tensions Between Hezbollah and Israel
The incident is the latest in a series of confrontations between Hezbollah and Israel, with both sides engaged in near-daily exchanges of fire since the start of the Gaza war. Despite Hezbollah's efforts to avoid full-scale conflict, the group has stated that the only way to cease hostilities is an end to the Gaza war. However, peace efforts have been stalled, with mediation attempts from Qatar, Egypt, and the United States yet to yield significant results.
Israel, for its part, has added the safe return of its citizens displaced from border areas to its list of war goals. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated that military action will continue until Israeli security is ensured.
A Long Road Ahead
The explosions are a stark reminder of the fragile state of security in Lebanon. With Hezbollah vowing retaliation and Israel maintaining its military stance, the possibility of further escalations looms large. As both sides brace for what may come next, civilians continue to bear the brunt of the conflict, with thousands displaced and many more fearing for their safety.
This tragic event underscores the rising tensions in the Middle East, and the international community is closely watching the developments in Lebanon and Israel as the conflict shows no signs of de-escalating soon.
Read more:- Hezbollah Chief Hassan Nasrallah Breaks Silence: Declares Israeli Pager Attacks a 'Declaration of War'
Stay tuned with "In Bulletin", for more futher detailed updates on this Incident & International News.
