Massive Attack on Hezbollah Members in Beirut: Exploding Pagers Injure Hundreds

Beirut, Lebanon – September 17, 2024

A devastating attack targeting Hezbollah members rocked Lebanon on Tuesday, as hundreds were injured following a series of pager explosions. The incident, which occurred in various Hezbollah strongholds, has left the country in shock and has prompted urgent government action, according to a Lebanese security source.

Targeted Attack on Hezbollah Members

The explosions reportedly took place in southern Beirut’s Dahiyeh suburb and in the towns of Ali Al-Nahri and Riyaq in the Beqaa Valley. These areas are known Hezbollah strongholds, making them prime targets. While details of the attackers remain unclear, suspicions have arisen, given the ongoing tensions between Hezbollah and Israel. However, the Israeli military, which has exchanged strikes with Hezbollah since the start of the Gaza war last October, declined to comment on the matter.

Hundreds Injured, Including Iranian Ambassador

Among the injured was Iran’s Ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani, who was reportedly affected by the pager blasts in Beirut. According to the semi-official Iranian news agency, Mehr News, the ambassador sustained injuries, though the severity remains undisclosed. The full extent of the casualties has yet to be confirmed, but initial reports suggest that hundreds of Hezbollah members and civilians have been affected.

Health Ministry Issues Urgent Warnings

In the wake of the attack, Lebanon’s Ministry of Health swiftly issued a public advisory, urging citizens who possess pagers to discard them immediately. The Ministry has also placed hospitals across the nation on high alert, warning of the potential for more explosions and the need for increased medical assistance.

Health workers have been called in from across the country to assist with the large number of injured individuals being rushed to hospitals. The Ministry also launched a blood donation campaign, urging citizens to donate in preparation for a growing demand for blood transfusions.

Explosive Pager Devices Possibly Hacked

Reports from NNA (National News Agency) suggest that the pagers used in the attacks may have been hacked. These explosive devices went off simultaneously, resulting in injuries across different Hezbollah strongholds. The coordinated nature of the blasts has raised suspicions that it was a well-planned, targeted assault aimed specifically at Hezbollah members and their communication networks.

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Explosions were reported in both urban and rural Hezbollah strongholds, with the southern Beirut suburb of Dahiyeh being one of the most severely affected areas. Additionally, the Beqaa Valley towns of Ali Al-Nahri and Riyaq witnessed a significant number of casualties. Given Hezbollah’s prominence in these areas, the attack has drawn widespread attention both within Lebanon and across the region.

No Claims of Responsibility

As of now, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. While Hezbollah is a frequent target of both domestic and international opponents, particularly Israel, there is no direct evidence linking the attack to a particular entity. However, in light of His active involvement in regional conflicts, including its ongoing hostilities with Israel, speculation about foreign involvement is rife.

Israel’s Response

The Israeli military, which has previously engaged in tit-for-tat strikes with Hezbollah, has opted to remain silent on the matter. The ongoing Gaza war has fueled heightened tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, with sporadic clashes occurring along the Lebanon-Israel border. Despite these tensions, Israel’s refusal to comment on the explosions has only added to the mystery surrounding the incident.

Regional Implications

The attack comes at a time of heightened instability in the region, with Lebanon still recovering from years of political and economic crises. Hezbollah, a dominant political and military force within Lebanon, has long been involved in regional power struggles, often clashing with Israeli forces. The nature of this attack, however, suggests a shift in the methods used by His opponents, as it specifically targeted the organization’s communication systems rather than its military operations.

Conclusion

This attack marks one of the most unusual and sophisticated assaults on Hezbollah in recent years. The coordinated explosions of hacked pagers not only injured hundreds of people but also demonstrated a new tactic aimed at crippling His communication networks. As Lebanon reels from this attack, the country’s health services are scrambling to treat the injured, while security forces work to uncover the perpetrators behind this shocking act of violence.

While the exact motivations and identities of those responsible remain unclear, the incident has once again thrust Him and Lebanon into the global spotlight, raising questions about the potential for further escalations in the region. With tensions already high, this attack could signify a new phase in the ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and its adversaries.