BEIRUT (September 17, 2024) — A coordinated wave of explosions involving handheld pagers has struck Lebanon and parts of Syria, resulting in at least eight fatalities and injuries to more than 2,700 people. The victims include members of Hezbollah and a young girl, with Iranian Ambassador Mojtaba Amani among the wounded.
Initial reports suggest the explosions were caused by a sophisticated, remote attack, with Israel being implicated by Lebanese officials. The Israeli military has yet to comment on the allegations.
Hezbollah officials reported that new pagers used by their members overheated before detonating. This resulted in the deaths of at least two Hezbollah members and injuries to others. Lebanon’s Health Minister, Firas Abiad, confirmed the deaths and the large number of injuries, with 200 individuals in critical condition.
Iranian state media reported that Ambassador Amani sustained superficial wounds from the explosion and is receiving medical treatment. Images from Beirut’s southern suburbs showed wounded individuals, with injuries primarily to the hands and near their pockets where the pagers were carried.
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah had previously warned members about using cellphones, citing concerns that they could be used for tracking and attacks. Following the explosions, Lebanon’s Health Ministry urged hospitals to prepare for a surge in emergency cases and advised people to stay away from pagers and wireless devices.
Hospitals in affected areas, including southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, and Beirut’s southern suburbs, are overwhelmed with patients and have called for blood donations. The explosions, reportedly triggered by advanced technology, have led to widespread injuries and heightened tensions in the region.
This incident occurs amid ongoing conflicts between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, with frequent clashes exacerbating the strained relations.
