Bandung, IndonesiaSentinel.com — A series of unprecedented explosions shook Lebanon on Tuesday and Wednesday, claiming the lives of 32 people and injuring nearly 3,450 others. The blasts, triggered by thousands of pagers and walkie-talkies, occurred almost simultaneously across the country, raising alarm among residents and authorities.
The First Wave, Pager Explosion on September 17
The initial wave of explosions on Tuesday, September 17, involved thousand of pagers some of which were reportedly owned by Hezbollah militia members. According to Reuters, the first blast occurred around 3:30 p.m. local time and continued for about an hour.
The explosions spanned multiple regions of Lebanon, from the southern suburbs of Beirut, known as Dahiyeh, to the Bekaa Valley in the east. Both areas are under Hezbollah’s control.
The victims of the pager explosions were predominantly Hezbollah members. However, several civilians, including children and medical workers, were also affected. Among the wounded was the Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon, who reportedly lost an eye in the blast.
This pager explosion resulted in the deaths of 12 people, including two children, and approximately 3,000 people were injured.
According to security sources, many of the injured were inspecting their pagers when the devices suddenly exploded. Reuters footage showed people being harmed simply by being near others who owned the pagers.
Second Wave, Walkie-Talkie Blasts on September 18
The devastation continued the next day, Wednesday, September 18, when explosions from walkie-talkies reverberated across the country. Al Jazeera reported that Lebanon’s National News Agency confirmed the blasts occurred in Hezbollah strongholds in eastern and southern Beirut, as well as in the Bekaa Valley. These explosions claimed 20 more lives and left 450 others injured.
Suspected Cause
Hezbollah has accused Israel of orchestrating the communication device explosions. According to a senior Lebanese security official, Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency allegedly planted explosives inside 5,000 pagers imported by Hezbollah from a Taiwanese company months before they arrived in Lebanon earlier this year.
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The devices were reportedly ordered by Hezbollah from the company Gold Apollo, though Gold Apollo denied any involvement, stating that the pagers were produced by Hungary-based BAC Consulting. Gold Apollo claimed that only its brand name was associated with the devices.
Hezbollah has long relied on pagers for communication with its members, especially amid ongoing conflict with Israel following aggression in Gaza. However, the cause of the walkie-talkie explosions remains unclear, with security forces still conducting investigations.
Israel’s Response
Israel’s Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, commented on the situation following the explosions in Lebanon. Though he did not directly address the incidents, Gallant hinted at a “new era” of warfare led by Israel, noting a shift in the center of conflict toward the north.
“The IDF has achieved extraordinary accomplishments, together with Shin Bet, Mossad, and all security bodies. The results are highly impressive,” Gallant stated during a visit to Ramat David Airbase in northern Israel on Wednesday, as quoted by CNN.
The ongoing investigation into the blasts continues, with Hezbollah maintaining its accusations of Israeli involvement, while Lebanese authorities work to determine the full scope and cause of the incidents.
(Raidi/Agung)
