A series of mysterious pager explosions have shaken Lebanon, killing at least eight people and injuring over 2,700. The blasts, which occurred on Tuesday across Beirut’s southern suburbs and other regions, have left the nation in confusion as authorities work to uncover the cause.
What are pagers?
Pagers, also known as beepers, are wireless devices that receive and display alphanumeric or voice messages. Popular in the 1980s, they remain in use today by specific groups, including medical professionals. In Lebanon, Hezbollah members have also relied on pagers for internal communications, largely because they are less traceable than cell phones.
The explosions began at 3:45 pm local time, shaking residents across Beirut. The detonations, primarily affecting pagers carried by Hezbollah members, triggered widespread panic. According to Lebanon’s health ministry, at least eight people were killed, and over 200 of the injured are in critical condition. Victims suffered severe injuries, including damage to hands and limbs, and authorities are still assessing the full extent of the destruction.
Hezbollah’s Communication Breach
Hezbollah officials confirmed that many of the exploded devices belonged to their members. The pagers, once deemed secure for communication, appear to have been compromised. Speculation points to Israel, with whom Hezbollah has long been in conflict, as the potential culprit. Some suspect Israel conducted a covert operation to target these devices, though Israel has not officially responded to the allegations. A Hezbollah official called the detonations a “major security breach.”
Hezbollah Blames Israel
Hezbollah has directly accused Israel of orchestrating the explosions, calling it a “criminal aggression.” The group vowed retaliation, stating that Israel “will certainly receive its just punishment.”
Possible Causes and Investigations
While the exact cause of the blasts remains unclear, some suggest that overheating lithium batteries in the pagers could be responsible. Others speculate that advanced technology may have been used to deliberately cause the explosions. The Lebanese government has urged the public to avoid using similar devices until further investigations reveal more information.
Escalating Tensions with Israel
These explosions come amid rising tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. Just days earlier, Israeli officials hinted at potential military action against Hezbollah. The pager detonations have heightened fears of retaliation and further violence.
As Lebanon grapples with the aftermath, hospitals are on high alert, treating the injured and requesting blood donations. Authorities continue to investigate the incident as the nation braces for potential further conflict.