Explosions in Beirut Suburb Linked to Hezbollah Injure Several

Large explosion with fireball in urban setting.

Sudden explosions of Hezbollah-linked pagers in Beirut’s Dahiyeh suburb have injured multiple people, including Iran’s ambassador.

At a Glance

Hundreds of pagers exploded simultaneously across Lebanon, injuring over 2,000 and killing eight.
The explosions occurred a day after Israeli leaders warned of escalating their military campaign against Hezbollah.
Hezbollah accused Israel of orchestrating the attack, while Israel’s military declined to comment.
Over 50 ambulances and 300 emergency responders rushed to assist the injured.
An investigation has begun to determine the cause of the blasts.

Explosions in Beirut’s Dahiyeh Suburb

The security incident unfolded in Beirut’s southern suburb, Dahiyeh, and other Lebanese towns, creating widespread chaos and panic. The Lebanese army immediately stepped up security efforts to manage the situation. Hezbollah-linked pagers exploded, causing injuries to several people, including a 10-year-old girl and Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon.

The blasts were sudden and unexpected, affecting a populous residential area. Emergency response included the deployment of over 50 ambulances and 300 medical workers to assist those injured. The explosions continued intermittently for about 30 minutes, adding to the tension and confusion in the area.

#Lebanon | CCTV captures moment of explosion in #Beirut supermarket

Hundreds of members of the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah, including fighters and medics, were seriously wounded when the pagers they use to communicate exploded pic.twitter.com/whzeD46pgw

— DD News (@DDNewslive) September 17, 2024

Response from Officials and Witnesses

Lebanon’s health minister reported at least eight fatalities, including an eight-year-old girl, and over 2,700 injuries with 200 in critical condition. The Lebanese prime minister condemned the blasts, branding them as “criminal Israeli aggression” and a violation of Lebanese sovereignty. Hospitals in the affected areas called for blood donations due to the overwhelming number of patients with limb injuries.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic. Um Saleh, a homemaker, said, “It is complete chaos. I cannot find an explanation to what happened this afternoon.” Emergency rooms were overloaded with patients, many suffering from injuries to their faces, hands, and stomachs.

🚨🇱🇧HEZBOLLAH PAGERS EXPLODE ACROSS LEBANON, MULTIPLE INJURIES REPORTED

Initial reports suggest Israel hacked Hezbollah’s communication devices, causing lithium battery explosions in pagers and injuring many.

Drones are believed to have triggered the detonations, which occurred… https://t.co/NzH9HcMSWn pic.twitter.com/rb8RHu64xE

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) September 17, 2024

Hezbollah’s Reaction and Ongoing Conflict

Hezbollah accused Israel of orchestrating the attack. According to a Hezbollah official speaking anonymously, the explosions were part of “a security operation targeting the devices.” The militant group has been involved in an ongoing 11-month conflict with Israel, starting after Hezbollah fired into Israeli territory to show solidarity with Hamas. This conflict has already caused significant civilian casualties and displacement on both sides of the border.

“The possibility for an agreement is running out as Hezbollah continues to tie itself to Hamas,” Gallant was quoted as telling visiting US envoy Amos Hochstein in a statement from his office.

The conflict has significantly exacerbated Lebanon’s economic and political crises. Meanwhile, the Lebanese Health Ministry advised the public to avoid pagers and wireless devices. Independent journalists have emphasized the need for extensive coverage of such events to maintain public awareness and encourage international responses.