Explosion of pagers. Photo: antikor.
On September 17, a series of pager explosions rocked Lebanon, impacting devices used by Hezbollah fighters for communication. Early reports suggest hundreds of fighters have been injured in what has quickly escalated into a widespread crisis.
Extensive Casualties and Government Response
Explosions were reported both in the capital, Beirut, and across southern Lebanon. According to Reuters, the detonations continued for half an hour after the initial blasts. In response, Lebanon’s Crisis Operations Center has urgently requested that all medical personnel return to their hospitals to assist with the influx of casualties, as injured fighters are being transported to facilities for emergency treatment.
Possible Israeli Cyberattack
According to The Times of Israel, Lebanese media speculate that the explosions were the result of a cyberattack on Hezbollah’s pagers, allegedly orchestrated by Israel. However, Israeli officials have yet to issue any statement regarding the incident.
Injured Exceed One Thousand
Lebanese journalists report that over a thousand individuals have been injured in the explosions, with at least five in critical condition. So far, there is no information about fatalities. Unconfirmed reports suggest that Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani, may be among the injured.
Rising Tensions Between Israel and Hezbollah
The incident occurs amid ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. The Lebanon-based group has repeatedly attacked Israel in response to its military operations against Hamas. On August 25, Hezbollah launched hundreds of rockets and drones toward Israel following the assassination of senior Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut.
