BEIRUT — A series of unprecedented blasts involving communication devices used by Hezbollah has killed 37 people and wounded over 2,900 across Lebanon this week, dealing a significant blow to the Iran-backed militant group. The explosions, which occurred over two days, targeted pagers and walkie-talkies carried by Hezbollah operatives in areas under their control, including south Beirut, eastern Lebanon, and southern parts of the country.
The first wave of explosions on September 17 involved pagers, killing 12 people, including two children, and injuring over 2,300. The following day, walkie-talkies exploded, killing an additional 25 people and wounding over 600. Hezbollah has blamed Israel for the attacks and has vowed revenge, while Israel has not commented on the incident.
The attacks have caused widespread panic, particularly in Hezbollah strongholds, and have raised concerns about the group’s communication security. Lebanese investigators believe the pagers were booby-trapped with explosives, likely at the manufacturing source, and were set to detonate remotely.
Analysts have pointed to the possibility of Israel’s Mossad being behind the operation, given the sophisticated nature of the attack and Israel’s history of targeting Hezbollah. However, no official confirmation of Israel’s involvement has been made. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah is expected to address the nation later on September 19, where he may offer insights into the group’s response to the attacks.