Chaos Erupts in Lebanon as Walkie-Talkie Explosions Adds to Yesterdays Pager Blasts

[Social Media]

 

A fresh wave of explosions has shaken southern Beirut’s Dahiyeh district, a stronghold of Hezbollah, just as crowds gathered to mourn the victims of Tuesday’s devastating pager-bomb attacks. The latest explosion, captured in a chilling video, showed a man lying on the ground as panicked crowds fled, screaming in terror. The death toll from walkie-talkie blasts has risen to 20 so far – Lebanese health ministry says. We have not received an updated figure for how many have been injured, but Lebanon's health ministry earlier said it was at least 450 people.

BREAKING: The Lebanese health ministry has just announced another six deaths from today's blasts, taking the total number of people killed to 20. @SkyYaldaHakim has more.

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In the aftermath of the explosion, chaos gripped the streets as the sound of the blast echoed throughout the area. What began as a somber mourning ritual quickly descended into bedlam, with people staring at each other in disbelief. Word quickly spread that this new explosion was part of a second wave of attacks, this time targeting walkie-talkies, prompting Hezbollah supporters to take extreme precautions. "No electronic equipment is considered safe," was the underlying message, as they stopped journalists and demanded they not use phones or cameras.

 

Lebanese officials confirmed that the death toll across the country had risen to at least 20, with over 450 others injured. Fires broke out in homes, shops, and vehicles, spreading the devastation further. The attacks, viewed as a humiliation for Hezbollah, may signal that their communication network has been compromised, potentially infiltrated by Israeli intelligence. Many in Lebanon are now anxiously awaiting what comes next in a country already reeling from Tuesday’s deadly pager-bombings.

 

The first attack, which took place the day before, involved the synchronized explosion of thousands of pagers across Lebanon. People believed they had received a message from Hezbollah, only for the devices to explode, killing 12, including an 8-year-old girl and an 11-year-old boy, and injuring nearly 2,800. 

 

Dr. Elias Warrak, speaking to the BBC, described the horrific aftermath of the pager attacks. “It was the worst day of my life as a physician,” he said, explaining that the majority of injuries were catastrophic. "At least 60% of the people I treated had lost at least one eye," Warrak explained, noting that many also lost fingers or entire hands. “Unfortunately, we were not able to save a lot of eyes, and the damage extended beyond the eyes. Some patients suffered brain injuries and severe facial trauma.”

 

It is suspected that the pagers had been rigged with explosives and detonated remotely. Hezbollah distributed the devices over concerns that Israeli intelligence was using smartphones to track and target their members. As of Wednesday, it remains unclear how the second wave of walkie-talkie explosions was executed, but Hezbollah has openly blamed Israel, vowing retaliation. Israel, as is typical in these situations, has not commented.

 

The tension between Hezbollah and Israel continues to escalate, with concerns that the violence could lead to an all-out war. Hezbollah, whose attacks on Israel began almost a year ago, claims to be acting in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. A ceasefire, however, remains a distant hope. 

 

At the funeral in Dahiyeh, mourners echoed a defiant sentiment despite the growing violence. One young man expressed his grief and resolve: “The pain is huge, physical and in the heart. But this is something we are used to, and we will continue with our resistance.” A 45-year-old woman was equally resolute, stating, “This will make us stronger. Whoever has lost an eye will fight with the other, and we are all standing together.”

 

In response to the mounting violence, Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant said the country was “at the start of a new phase in the war.” This statement came as the Israeli army’s 98th division was relocated from Gaza to Israel’s northern region, signaling potential further escalation with Hezbollah.

 

Despite Hezbollah’s stated reluctance to engage in a full-scale conflict, Lebanon's ongoing economic crisis has left the country vulnerable, with many fearing a war is not in the nation's best interest. Nevertheless, many will be watching closely for Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah’s public response, expected Thursday, which may give insight into the group’s next move.

 

Credit: BBC 2024-09-19

 

 

 

[Tug]

Those hezboallha murdering criminals must be just a bit nervous ehh?lol soon they will be reduced to sending each other written notes!

[Bkk Brian]

2 minutes ago, Tug said:

Those hezboallha murdering criminals must be just a bit nervous ehh?lol soon they will be reduced to sending each other written notes!

Or cups and string 

 

https://x.com/DrEliDavid/status/1836509329853489259

 

[Tropicalevo]

A brilliant move by Israel.

A great way to hurt the terrorists that continually hide behind their own countrymen whilst bombing innocent Israeli civilians.

 

Surprised at this statement by one person - resistance against what?

One wonders what lies are being told by the people in charge.

Israel is defending itself against murderers.

 

 

1 hour ago, Social Media said:

But this is something we are used to, and we will continue with our resistance.”

 

[herfiehandbag]

6 hours ago, Tug said:

Those hezboallha murdering criminals must be just a bit nervous ehh?lol soon they will be reduced to sending each other written notes!

Watch out for exploding forked sticks!

[Seppius]

Takes "cutting your enemies lines of commination" to a new level