Synopsis
At least eight people were killed and 2,750 others, including Hezbollah fighters and Iran’s envoy, were wounded in Lebanon when pagers exploded. The Lebanese government and Hezbollah blamed Israel for the blasts. The explosions are seen as a significant security breach amid ongoing cross-border warfare between Hezbollah and Israel.
ReutersA humble communication device from a forgotten era came back to blitz global headlines on September 17 when at least eight people were killed and 2,750 others were left wounded, many of them grievously, as pagers exploded across Lebanon, giving the ongoing Israel war a fresh, unforeseen twist. According to security sources and the Lebanese health minister, among the wounded were Hezbollah fighters, medics, and Iran’s envoy to Beirut.
Lebanon’s Information Minister Ziad Makary labelled the incident as an “Israeli aggression.” Hezbollah blamed Israel for the blasts and stated that Israel would face consequences.
The Israeli military declined to comment.
It may be recalled here that pagers were all the rage in the 1980s, but fell into disuse following the advent of mobile phones. However, these devices are still used by specific groups such as medical professionals. Militants like the Hezbollah also use these to communicate, especially because they are less traceable compared to mobiles.
“Biggest security breach”
A Hezbollah official anonymously described the detonation of the pagers as the group’s “biggest security breach” in nearly a year of conflict with Israel. The conflict has been ongoing since last October, the worst escalation in years.
Hezbollah confirmed the deaths of three individuals, including two of its fighters and a girl. The group is investigating the causes of the blasts. Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah was not injured.
The explosions began around 3:45 p.m. local time and lasted about an hour. The method of detonation remains unclear. Lebanese internal security forces reported that a number of wireless communication devices exploded, especially in Beirut’s southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold.
Lebanon casualty count
Health Minister Firass Abiad reported 2,750 injuries, with 200 critically wounded. Many of the injured included Hezbollah fighters, some of whom are sons of top officials. One fighter killed was the son of Hezbollah member of the Lebanese parliament, Ali Ammar.
Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani, suffered a minor injury and is under observation in the hospital, as reported by Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency.
Earlier on Tuesday, Israel’s domestic security agency claimed it had foiled a Hezbollah plot to assassinate a former senior defence official. The Shin Bet agency reported seizing an explosive device planned for remote detonation from Lebanon.
Medical emergency
Following Tuesday’s blasts, ambulances were seen rushing through Beirut’s southern suburbs. Many of the injured were taken to local hospitals. The Lebanese Red Cross deployed over 50 ambulances and 300 emergency medical staff to assist.
Hezbollah fired missiles at Israel after the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas gunmen, triggering the Gaza war. The ongoing conflict has displaced tens of thousands on both sides of the border.
The Lebanese crisis operations center has requested all medical workers to assist in hospitals and advised against using pagers.