23 September 2024

Israel behind deadly pager explosions that targeted Hezbollah and injured thousands in Lebanon

Charbel Mallo, Tamara Qiblawi, Jeremy Diamond, Lauren Kent, Rob Picheta and Christian Edwards

Hezbollah has vowed to respond to an Israeli attack that killed multiple people and injured thousands across Lebanon on Tuesday when pagers belonging to members of the Iran-backed militant group exploded almost simultaneously, exposing a massive security breach and demonstrating the scale of Israeli intelligence.

A child was among at least nine killed in the blasts, which wounded about 2,800 people, Lebanese Health Minister Firass Abiad said. At least 170 people are in a critical condition, he said, though the nature of the other injuries is unclear.

The attack underscores Hezbollah’s vulnerability as its communication network was compromised to deadly effect and follows a series of targeted assassinations against its commanders.

Meanwhile, dozens of walkie talkies exploded in Lebanon on Wednesday, leaving at least one person dead and more than 100 injured, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry, which said the affected devices belonged to Hamas members.

The incidents risk further escalating tensions in the Middle East already heightened over Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza.

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