Second Wave of Explosions in Lebanon Kills 20 and Injures Hundreds
At least 20 people have lost their lives, and more than 450 have been injured following a second round of explosions involving wireless devices in Lebanon, according to the country’s health ministry. The blasts, which occurred in Hezbollah strongholds in Beirut’s southern suburbs, the Bekaa Valley, and southern Lebanon, were linked to walkie-talkies used by the militant group.
This latest wave of explosions occurred during funerals for several of the 12 people who died on Tuesday when pagers used by Hezbollah members also detonated. Hezbollah has pointed the finger at Israel for that initial attack, though Israeli officials have not commented.
Israel’s Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, announced a “new phase in the war,” further intensifying fears of escalating conflict. The Israeli military has redeployed an army division to the northern region amid mounting tensions between Hezbollah and Israel.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed grave concerns over the risk of widespread violence, urging all involved parties to show restraint. He suggested that the coordinated detonations of communication devices may have been intended as a preemptive move before a larger military operation.
Lebanon’s Shock and Hezbollah’s Losses
Wednesday’s explosions, viewed as a major setback for Hezbollah, have left many Lebanese reeling. Thousands of pagers exploded simultaneously on Tuesday, with individuals mistakenly believing the messages they received were from Hezbollah. The blasts killed 12 people, including two children, and left 2,800 others injured.
A BBC team at a funeral for some of the victims in southern Beirut reported hearing an explosion around 17:00 local time, followed by news of additional blasts throughout the country. Social media footage showed chaotic scenes, including a man falling during a Hezbollah procession after a small explosion.
The Lebanese Red Cross dispatched over 30 ambulances to respond to the explosions in the capital and beyond. Meanwhile, Lebanon’s state news agency reported that the walkie-talkies involved in the detonations were ICOM-V82 models, devices no longer in production by the Japanese company ICOM. A Hezbollah source told AFP that the group’s communication devices had been targeted.
Growing Conflict Between Hezbollah and Israel
The situation is rapidly escalating, with Hezbollah claiming responsibility for attacks on Israeli forces near the border and the Golan Heights. The Israeli military reported that around 30 rockets were fired from Lebanon on Wednesday, causing fires but no injuries. In response, Israeli aircraft struck Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon.
Hezbollah’s media office has confirmed the deaths of 13 of its fighters, including a 16-year-old boy, since the latest wave of explosions. The group has vowed to continue its support of Hamas in the ongoing Gaza conflict and insists that its attacks will persist until the fighting there concludes.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to return displaced citizens in the north to their homes as safely as possible. Both sides appear braced for further conflict, with Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, expected to outline the group’s next moves in a Thursday speech.
The explosive devices used in the attacks may point to a larger operation by Israeli intelligence, with reports suggesting that the devices were booby-trapped by Israel before being delivered to Hezbollah.
