A new series of explosions involving electronic devices used by Hezbollah has killed at least nine people and wounded 300 across Lebanon, the country’s health ministry reported Wednesday. This incident follows Tuesday’s pager explosions that left 12 dead and approximately 2,800 injured in Lebanon and Syria.
The latest detonations occurred late Wednesday afternoon, primarily affecting southern Lebanon and Beirut’s southern suburbs, areas known for strong Hezbollah presence. These explosions mark a significant escalation in what appears to be a targeted campaign against the armed group’s communication infrastructure.
In response to the attacks, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant declared the start of a “new phase” in the ongoing conflict, signaling increased focus on Israel’s northern border with Lebanon. Hezbollah has vowed retaliation against Israel following the widespread destruction of their communication devices.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, currently in Egypt for his tenth Middle East trip aimed at securing a Gaza ceasefire, denied any U.S. involvement or prior knowledge of the attacks on Hezbollah’s devices.
This surge in violence comes amid the backdrop of the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reports at least 41,252 Palestinians killed and 95,497 wounded since the war’s onset. The initial Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7 resulted in over 1,190 deaths, mostly civilians, with approximately 120 hostages still held in Gaza.
As tensions escalate, the international community watches closely, concerned about the potential for wider regional conflict.
