Explosions of Pagers in Lebanon Wound Over 1,000, Including Hezbollah Fighters and Medics
In a shocking incident, over 1,000 people, including Hezbollah fighters and medical personnel, were injured on Tuesday when pagers exploded across Lebanon, according to security sources. The widespread detonation of these communication devices represents what a Hezbollah official, speaking on condition of anonymity, called the “biggest security breach” the group has faced in nearly a year of ongoing conflict with Israel.
Cross-Border Conflict Escalation
The Israel-Hezbollah conflict, reignited after the Gaza war erupted last October, has seen frequent exchanges of fire. However, this event, involving the detonation of pagers, marks a new twist in cross-border warfare. Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has been engaged in constant retaliation against Israeli military forces since the October 7 Hamas-led attacks on Israel. While Israel has yet to comment on the incident, the Israeli military declined to answer Reuters’ inquiries regarding the detonations.
Iranian Diplomat Injured
Adding to the gravity of the situation, Iran’s Mehr News Agency reported that Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani, was among those injured by one of the blasts. However, Reuters could not immediately confirm this claim.
Widespread Panic Across Beirut and Southern Lebanon
Eyewitness reports from Beirut described scenes of chaos as ambulances rushed through Hezbollah strongholds in the southern suburbs. A Reuters journalist on the ground observed widespread panic, with victims suffering severe injuries to the face, limbs, and eyes. Hospitals across Lebanon were overwhelmed with patients, with around 40 people being treated at Nabatieh Public Hospital alone, according to its director, Hassan Wazni.
In response to the crisis, Lebanon’s health ministry activated its crisis operations center and urged all available medical personnel to report to their respective hospitals. In a precautionary measure, medical workers were also advised not to use pagers due to the apparent risk of further detonations.
Unclear Cause of Detonation
The wave of explosions reportedly began around 3:45 p.m. local time and lasted for approximately an hour. Despite the widespread injuries, the cause of the pager detonations remains unclear. Several security sources suggested that the pagers were the latest models brought in by Hezbollah in recent months. The Lebanese internal security forces confirmed that numerous wireless communication devices exploded across Beirut’s southern suburbs and in the country’s south.
CCTV Footage Shows Explosions
CCTV footage broadcast by regional media outlets revealed the extent of the devastation, showing handheld devices placed near store counters and market stalls suddenly exploding. In one instance, an explosion occurred near a grocery store cashier, while another blast knocked down an individual at a fruit stand in a crowded marketplace.
Displacement from Ongoing Conflict
While the immediate cause of these pager detonations remains uncertain, the broader context of escalating conflict between Hezbollah and Israel has displaced tens of thousands of people on both sides of the border. The situation remains tense as both sides continue exchanging fire, further destabilizing the region.
With the Lebanese health system stretched to its limits by this new wave of casualties, the situation remains dire as authorities scramble to address both the injured and the possibility of further incidents.