Explosions in Lebanon: 20 Dead, Over 450 Injured Due to Hezbollah’s Radios

In Lebanon, a series of simultaneous explosions has once again resulted in numerous casualties, including attacks during funerals for those killed just the day before. Responsibility for this tragedy remains unclear.

Deadly Explosions Rock Lebanon

A new wave of violence shook Lebanon on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, as a series of deadly explosions linked to Hezbollah transmission devices erupted, killing 20 and injuring over 450 nationwide, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry.

Hezbollah’s Walkie-Talkies Implicated

The blasts were triggered by walkie-talkies used by the pro-Iranian Islamist movement Hezbollah. “The devices were preprogrammed to explode and contained explosives next to the battery,” a Lebanese security official disclosed to AFP.

These explosions followed a similar incident the previous day, where pagers exploded, resulting in twelve deaths and between 2750 and 2800 injuries.

Israel’s Shadow Over Lebanon

The tension escalates as the explosions occurred after Israel announced an expansion of its war targets against Palestinian Hamas at its northern border with Lebanon. Hezbollah has blamed Israel for being “entirely responsible” for the blasts, though Israel has not commented, a fact that has dominated Israeli media headlines, highlighting rising tensions.

Fears of Total War Escalate

Lebanon’s Foreign Minister, Abdallah Bou Habib, believes this wave of attacks could herald a broader Middle Eastern war. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has urged Israel and Hamas to demonstrate “political will” to reach a ceasefire agreement. Amidst this volatile situation, the UN Security Council will convene an emergency meeting on Friday to discuss Lebanon’s plight.