For the second consecutive day, Lebanon has been shaken by a series of explosions involving hand-held communication devices, predominantly walkie-talkies, in an apparent attack targeting Hezbollah. These coordinated blasts have devastated communities, resulting in at least 20 deaths and 450 injuries, according to the Lebanese health ministry.
Second Wave of Explosions: Devastating Impact on Hezbollah
On Wednesday, walkie-talkies owned by Hezbollah members detonated across various parts of Lebanon, including Beirut’s southern suburbs, marking the second attack in as many days. Lebanese and Hezbollah officials confirmed that these devices were booby-trapped, raising the total death toll from both incidents to at least 32. Among the victims are Hezbollah members, with approximately 3,000 others injured since the attacks began on Tuesday.
Tensions Escalate: Potential for a Wider Conflict
The attacks come amidst rising tensions between Hezbollah and Israel, following months of cross-border clashes. Hezbollah officials, along with international reports, have implicated Israel in these strikes. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant hinted at shifting military priorities in a video statement, without directly addressing the explosions. This escalation has fueled fears of a broader conflict between Hezbollah and Israel.
Walkie-Talkies as Weapons: What We Know
The devices responsible for Wednesday’s blasts were identified as Icom IC-V82 walkie-talkies, larger and more powerful than the pagers that exploded during Tuesday’s attacks. These blasts not only caused significant casualties but also sparked larger fires, increasing panic across the affected areas.
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Data Source : nytimes