A series of devastating explosions in Lebanon has left at least 14 people dead and over 450 injured, just a day after a coordinated attack involving pagers killed 12. The explosions, attributed to walkie-talkies, have heightened tensions in the region, with Hezbollah vowing retaliation against Israel.

Key Takeaways

Casualties: At least 14 dead and over 450 injured from walkie-talkie explosions.
Previous Attack: The pager explosions on Tuesday resulted in 12 deaths and around 2,800 injuries.
Israeli Involvement: Israeli intelligence and military are believed to be behind both attacks.
Hezbollah’s Response: The militant group has pledged to retaliate against Israel.
International Reactions: Calls for investigations into the attacks have been made by various international bodies.

Overview of the Explosions

On Wednesday, walkie-talkies exploded across Lebanon, marking a second consecutive day of deadly blasts. The Lebanese health ministry reported that at least 14 people were killed and over 450 injured in the latest wave of violence. This follows a shocking attack on Tuesday, where pagers detonated, killing 12 and injuring thousands.

Details of the Attacks

The explosions are believed to be a coordinated effort targeting Hezbollah, with reports indicating that Israel’s intelligence service, Mossad, and the Israeli military were involved. The Israeli defense minister hinted at a “new era” in the conflict, suggesting a shift in tactics against Hezbollah.

Tuesday’s Pager Attack:
Wednesday’s Walkie-Talkie Explosions:

Hezbollah’s Reaction

Hezbollah has vowed to retaliate against Israel, labeling the attacks as “criminal Israeli aggression.” The Lebanese government has also condemned the violence, calling for accountability and an independent investigation into the incidents.

International Response

The United Nations has condemned the attacks, with the Human Rights Chief calling for a thorough investigation. The U.S. has stated it had no prior knowledge of the attacks and urged all parties to de-escalate tensions in the region.

Implications for the Region

The recent explosions have raised fears of escalating conflict in Lebanon, with the Lebanese Foreign Minister expressing concerns that these attacks could signal a move towards war. The situation remains volatile, with both sides on high alert and international observers closely monitoring developments.

As the dust settles from these tragic events, the implications for regional stability and security are profound, with many questioning the future of Hezbollah’s operations and Israel’s military strategy in the area.

Sources

Live updates: Walkie-talkies explode in Lebanon day after deadly pager attack | CNN, CNN.