Pager Explosions Rock Lebanon, Injuring Hundreds Amid Hizbollah Conflict

Pager Explosions Highlight Hizbollah's Vulnerability

Pagers belonging to Hizbollah members exploded across Lebanon on Tuesday, injuring hundreds of people in what appears to be a deliberate attempt to sabotage the low-tech systems the group has deployed to evade Israeli surveillance. The blasts occurred in several regions, including the capital, Beirut, the southern city of Tyre, and Hermel. Images shared on social media show individuals with serious injuries being rushed to hospitals.

Injuries and Reactions Following the Blasts

An Iranian official revealed that the Iranian ambassador to Beirut, Mojtaba Amani, sustained injuries from one of the explosions but is in stable condition. No other diplomatic personnel were reported injured, though the number of non-Hizbollah casualties remains unclear. Amid the increasing cross-border tensions with Israel, the Lebanese Ministry of Health urgently called for healthcare workers to report to work and avoid electronic devices.

Heightened Security Measures by Hizbollah

Hizbollah has shifted to low-tech communication methods due to a rise in targeted assassinations of its commanders by Israel. Senior leader Hassan Nasrallah urged members to abandon smartphones, leading to a resurgence of older technologies like pagers. Even so, this strategy did not prevent the assassination of commander Fuad Shukr in July in an Israeli airstrike.

Potential Link to Foiled Assassination Plans

The explosions on Tuesday follow Israel's announcement of foiling a Hizbollah assassination attempt on a former Israeli security official. Israel’s internal security agency noted that the planned bombing was part of a larger plot targeting a high-profile individual in Israel. This alarming connection raises concerns about the continuing cycle of violence.