Following the explosion of thousands of pagers (wireless communication devices) across Lebanon, another series of explosions occurred yesterday, Wednesday. This time, walkie-talkies, laptops, walkie-talkie radios, and cars exploded. At least 14 people were killed and 450 injured in these incidents.
On Tuesday, explosions of pagers used by Hezbollah members killed 12 people and injured about 3,000. It is believed that the pagers were pre-loaded with small but powerful explosives.
Like Tuesday, simultaneous device explosions occurred in various locations yesterday. People quickly shared images on social media of exploded walkie-talkies, laptops, radios, and various residential buildings that caught fire.
Against this backdrop, Al Jazeera has detailed what’s actually happening across Lebanon.
Images posted on social media show fires burning in various vehicles, smoke rising from a residential area. The report states that walkie-talkies, radios, cars, and even solar panels are exploding.
Where did the new explosions occur
Information about yesterday’s explosions is slowly coming in. However, several explosions occurred in the southern suburbs of the capital Beirut and the southern city of Tyre after noon.
Images posted on social media show fires burning in various vehicles and smoke rising from a residential building. The report states that walkie-talkie radios, mobile phones, and even solar panels are exploding.
Al Jazeera correspondent Ali Hashem witnessed one incident. He saw a car explode during a funeral in southern Lebanon. Apparently, it wasn’t due to a drone attack; rather, the car caught fire from within.
Ali Hashem says,
“On this day, a series of walkie-talkies and other devices, which were not pagers, exploded one after another in southern Lebanon and the southern suburbs of Beirut.”
“We are likely to see another wave of explosions. Lebanon’s entire healthcare sector is already in a precarious state due to yesterday’s (Tuesday’s) incident. And now, more explosions today (Wednesday).”
–Ali Hashem, Al Jazeera correspondent from Lebanon
Ali Hashem further says that the ongoing explosions have created chaotic conditions on the streets. Ambulances are rushing to rescue the injured and take them to hospitals. At the same time, news of more explosions keeps coming from various places.
This correspondent says,
‘We are likely to see another wave of explosions. The entire healthcare sector in Lebanon is already in a precarious state due to yesterday’s (Tuesday’s) incident. And now, more explosions today (Wednesday).’
According to Reuters, after an explosion at a funeral in the southern suburbs of Beirut, people present there quickly removed and threw away the batteries from their walkie-talkie radios.
Which devices are exploding
Reports are coming in of various types of devices exploding. These include walkie-talkies, radios, laptops, solar panels, and even mobile phones.
There are also reports of some cars exploding. However, it’s unclear whether the cars are exploding due to their own faults or because of devices inside them (walkie-talkies, laptops, mobile phones, etc.).
Why walkie-talkies and walkie-talkie radios are exploding
Again, the reason for the explosion of walkie-talkies and walkie-talkie radios is still unclear. If yesterday’s explosions are similar to the pager explosions the day before, some observers would be surprised.
These observers believe there’s a conspiracy involving the companies supplying these devices. The devices might be loaded with 1 to 3 grams of powerful explosives, as happened with the pagers. However, some Hezbollah members believe these explosions are related to the batteries of the devices.
According to Reuters, after an explosion at a funeral in the southern suburbs of Beirut, people present there quickly removed and threw away the batteries from their walkie-talkie radios.
“We are at the beginning of a new chapter in the war. Now we need courage, determination, and initiative.”
–Yoav Gallant, Israeli Defense Minister
The devices that have exploded are mainly used for communication purposes. However, there are reports of explosions in devices like solar panels as well. At least one girl has reportedly been injured in such an incident.
Hezbollah and the Lebanese government have blamed Israel for the explosions over the past two days. However, Israel has not made any official comment on this so far. But after yesterday’s explosions, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant praised their soldiers, saying,
‘We are at the beginning of a new chapter in the war. Now we need courage, determination, and initiative.’
In that speech addressed to their soldiers, Gallant praised the Israeli military and security agencies, saying,
‘The results (of your work) are quite impressive.’
Why Israel might be causing these explosions
Israel’s long-term strategy is not clear. But it’s evident that this attack will significantly increase tensions between Lebanon, the Hezbollah group, and Israel.
The explosion occurred amidst ongoing limited conflicts between Hezbollah and Israel, centered around Israel’s ongoing aggression in Gaza, Palestine. This incident has raised fears of an all-out war between the two sides.
Israel’s Defense Minister further heightened these fears in a statement yesterday morning. He said they would transfer troops and supplies deployed in Gaza for the nearly year-long war to the northern Lebanon border.
What’s next!
Al Jazeera correspondent Imran Khan from Beirut says,
‘Lebanon sees this attack by Israel as a terrorist attack. Because it has further provoked terrorism.’
He further states,
‘People are terrified by this attack.’
Security and political analyst Elijah Magnier says Israel has successfully injected suspicion within Hezbollah and Lebanese society. He says,
‘This is exactly what Israel wants. They want doubts to arise among the Lebanese people, and in the meantime, they (Israel) might be preparing for a third round of attacks.’
‘We have to wait and see what Israel is preparing to do next. Because this attack is not the last,’ says security analyst Elijah.
Leave a comment