Beirut: At least eight people, including members of the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, were killed and 2,750 injured in a series of pager explosions across Lebanon on Tuesday, according to Health Minister Firass Abiad. The blasts struck Beirut’s suburbs and other areas, marking one of the deadliest incidents in recent months.
Hezbollah has labeled the explosions as the “biggest security breach” in their ongoing conflict with Israel, which has escalated since the outbreak of the Gaza war last October. The group has accused Israel of orchestrating the attacks and has vowed retaliation.
The violence follows a period of heightened tension between Hezbollah and Israel, with both sides involved in frequent exchanges of fire. Recent reports indicate that further detonations have occurred in southern Lebanon and Beirut, exacerbating the crisis.
Iranian Diplomat Injured
Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani, was injured in one of the explosions, as reported by Iran’s Mehr news agency. The full extent of his injuries remains unclear.
The Israeli military has yet to respond to the allegations regarding the explosions. Hezbollah has launched an investigation to determine the causes and perpetrators behind the blasts.
Widespread Panic and Response
Witnesses reported seeing ambulances rushing through the southern suburbs of Beirut, and regional CCTV footage captured the moment small handheld devices exploded in various locations, including a grocery store and a market. The explosions caused significant panic among residents, with many gathering outside buildings to check on potential victims.
Lebanon’s crisis operations center, managed by the health ministry, has called for all medical personnel to report to hospitals to manage the surge of casualties. The injuries sustained include damage to the face, eyes, and limbs. The center has advised healthcare workers to avoid using pagers to prevent further incidents.
Background of Ongoing Conflict
The current escalation between Hezbollah and Israel began shortly after the October 7 Hamas attacks, leading to a series of missile exchanges and military confrontations. The conflict has displaced tens of thousands from their homes on both sides of the border and has created a dire humanitarian situation.
As the situation remains fluid, efforts to control the violence and provide aid to the affected are ongoing.
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