Tragedy strikes Lebanon as pager explosions claim the lives of eight people and leave thousands injured. Watch the video of the aftermath and read more about the incident.
Lebanon, pager explosions, casualties, injuries, tragic events, explosion news, Lebanon disaster, breaking news, video
According to local media reports, a total of eight individuals lost their lives while 3,000 others sustained injuries in Lebanon due to the explosion of their pagers on Tuesday. Hezbollah, the militant group operating in Lebanon, has attributed this incident to Israel and claims that it had impacted hundreds of its members; however no comment has been made from West Jerusalem at present.
Reportedly, the explosions primarily impacted individuals residing in Beirut’s southern suburbs recognized as a stronghold for Hezbollah, along with those living in the eastern and southern districts of Lebanon. According to Lebanese Health Minister Firas Abiad cited by Al Manar news media outlet, these blasts have resulted in eight fatalities; including that of a child while leaving over 2800 people injured.
Abiad verified the count of wounded individuals nationwide. Al Manar disclosed that his department instructed hospitals to stay prepared for any medical crises. According to Naharnet, health experts were summoned to “report immediately” at their respective facilities as well.
According to the Iranian Mehr news agency, Mojtaba Amani, the ambassador of Iran in Beirut was supposedly injured by a pager explosion. The diplomat was hospitalized but reportedly only had minor injuries. It is assumed that two additional personnel at the embassy were impacted by these successive blasts.
READ ALSO: Hezbollah Warns of ‘Large Losses’ If Israel Expands Conflict in Lebanon
On social media, images and footage have emerged depicting individuals from various parts of Lebanon experiencing pager explosions in their pockets or hands. Hospital scenes also reveal patients receiving medical attention for injuries sustained during these incidents.
The largest security breach in almost a year was attributed to Israel by Hezbollah. Following conflict between West Jerusalem and Gaza last year, the group transitioned from utilizing smartphones to pagers for communication as they feared potential hacking by Israel of their devices.
For almost a year now, there has been an ongoing exchange of strikes between the Israeli military and the militant group as Hezbollah backs Hamas’ conflict in Gaza. In response, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have targeted certain areas in Lebanon resulting in casualties including Fuad Shukr; one among several senior operatives who were killed during an airstrike that took place towards late July last year.
According to reports, Israeli authorities have warned Hezbollah of a severe military retaliation if there is any additional aggravation. Iran has also cautioned Israel that it could lead to a complete annihilation war if Lebanon is attacked. In addition, last week, Hezbollah issued an explicit warning stating that both sides would suffer considerable losses and cause more refugees in the event of an all-out war.
