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Hezbollah Accuses Israel After Deadly Pager Explosions
The incident involving the synchronised detonation of pagers has sent shockwaves through Lebanon, with Hezbollah blaming Israel for a “massive security breach.” Here’s what we know so far:
- 9 dead and 2,800 injured in pager blasts across Lebanon.
- The blasts occurred at 3:30 pm local time (6 pm IST).
- Hezbollah claims Israel breached their communication network, triggering the explosions.
- Lebanese Health Minister Firass Abiad confirmed the casualties.
- The blasts impacted Hezbollah strongholds, with Hezbollah members among the injured.
- Iran’s Ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani, was reportedly injured.
Casualties Confirmed by Lebanese Authorities
- The explosion killed nine people, including a young girl.
- About 2,800 people were wounded, with over 200 critically injured.
- Hezbollah members and officials were among the victims, including the sons of prominent lawmakers.
Pager Explosions Spread Across Regions
- The Bekaa Valley in east Lebanon reported casualties, including the death of a Hezbollah member’s daughter.
- Similar explosions occurred in Syria, where 14 individuals were injured.
Hezbollah’s Allegations Against Israel
Hezbollah quickly responded, attributing the pager blasts to Israeli interference. The group described it as the “biggest security breach” they have experienced:
- Hezbollah claims Israel compromised its communication network.
- The pagers are said to have exploded simultaneously across Beirut, the south of Lebanon, and Hezbollah strongholds.
- While initial reports suggest the overheating of lithium batteries may have triggered the blasts, others claim explosives were pre-installed in the devices.
Hezbollah’s Role in the Regional Conflict
- Hezbollah, considered a terrorist organization by the US and EU, operates as both a political and military entity in Lebanon.
- Backed by Iran, Hezbollah has been a key player in regional conflicts, including its support for Hamas in the ongoing war with Israel since October 2023.
International Reactions and Statements
- Hezbollah’s statement on the explosion referred to the incident as an “Israeli breach of their network.”
- Lebanon’s National News Agency called the event “unprecedented,” pointing to the simultaneous detonation of handheld pagers across multiple locations.
Broader Implications of the Blasts
- The explosions outside Lebanon, including the incident in Damascus, Syria, further complicate the geopolitical situation in the region.
- Hezbollah had already restricted its members from using mobile phones to avoid Israeli breaches, relying on their internal telecommunications system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is Hezbollah?
Hezbollah is a political and military organization based in Lebanon, classified as a terrorist group by the US and EU. It is supported by Iran and actively involved in conflicts in the Middle East. - What caused the recent pager explosions in Lebanon?
According to Hezbollah, the explosions were a result of an Israeli breach in their communication network, although some reports suggest lithium battery malfunctions or pre-installed explosives in pagers. - How many people were affected by the explosions?
The explosions killed 9 people and injured approximately 2,800, with over 200 critically wounded. - Did any prominent Hezbollah members die in the blasts?
Yes, the sons of Hezbollah lawmakers Ali Ammar and Hassan Fadlallah were among those who died in the explosion. - Where did the explosions occur?
The explosions primarily occurred in Hezbollah strongholds across Lebanon, including Beirut and the south of Lebanon, with some incidents reported in Syria. - Who does Hezbollah blame for the explosions?
Hezbollah has accused Israel of breaching their communication system, leading to the explosions. - Is Iran involved in this incident?
Iran’s Ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani, was reported to have been injured in the blasts, indicating Iran’s close ties to Hezbollah. - What is Hezbollah’s relationship with Israel?
Hezbollah has been in conflict with Israel for decades, often supporting groups like Hamas in their efforts against Israel. - What was the Lebanese government’s response to the incident?
Lebanese authorities confirmed the casualties, but official statements about the cause of the blasts were limited. - What are the broader regional implications of the explosions?
The explosions further escalate tensions between Hezbollah and Israel, complicating the already volatile situation in the Middle East.
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