Lebanon doctor relives 'blown out eyeballs' in horror pager explosion (original) (raw)
At least 12 people including two children died when pagers exploded across Lebanon before a second attack unfolded involving walkie talkies - and one doctor has described the grisly aftermath
Exploding devices have killed and injured people across Lebanon
A doctor has told of horrific scenes of people having their eyes blown out after pagers exploded across Lebanon.
The sudden detonation of communication devices used by Hezbollah fighters killed at least 12 people, including two children, and wounded some 2,800 others on Tuesday. Walkie-talkies and solar equipment then exploded in Beirut and other parts of Lebanon on Wednesday in an apparent second wave of attacks targeting devices less than 24 hours later, state media and officials for the militant group said.
At least 20 people were killed and more than 450 wounded in the second wave, the Health Ministry said. Dr Elias Warrak, a doctor in Lebanon, has described the aftermath of Tuesday's bombings as "the worst day of [his] life as a physician". At least 60% of the people he had seen had lost at least one eye, he said, with many also losing a finger or a whole hand.
He told the BBC: "I believe the number of casualties and the type of damage that has been done is humongous. Unfortunately, we were not able to save a lot of eyes, and unfortunately the damage is not limited to the eyes – some of them have damage in the brain in addition to any facial damage."
The attacks - which are widely believed to be carried out by Israel - have hiked fears that tensions in the Middle East could escalate into all-out war. Iran-backed. Hezbollah, the strongest military group in Lebanon, has exchanged fire with Israel's military almost daily since October 8,when a deadly Hamas-led assault in southern Israel triggered the war in Gaza. Since then, hundreds have been killed in strikes in Lebanon and dozens in Israel, while tens of thousands on each side of the border have been displaced.
At least 12 people including two children died in the initial blasts on Tuesday, with more casualties reported in the second wave (
Image:
Anadolu via Getty Images)
At least nine individuals were killed and 300 injured in what seems to be a follow-up assault, according to the Health Ministry. In a briefing to his forces, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant made no comment regarding the electronic device detonations but lauded Israel's military and security efforts, stating, "we are at the start of a new phase in the war". The specifics of Wednesday's attack are still unfolding, including questions regarding the nature of the devices used.
A Hezbollah representative, speaking anonymously to the AP as they weren't greenlit for media discussions, revealed that the group's walkie-talkies blew up. Lebanon's state-run news outlet also disclosed solar power installations bursting in Beirut homes and parts of southern Lebanon, leaving at least one girl wounded.
This second explosion spree struck a nation already staggered by the initial pager bombings on Tuesday, seemingly part of an intricate Israeli scheme aimed at Hezbollah. However, an extensive number of civilians became collateral victims, as blasts erupted wherever the pagers of Hezbollah affiliates were situated - spanning private residences, vehicles, supermarkets, and cafes.
Speaking to Israeli troops on Wednesday, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said: "We are at the start of a new phase in the war - it requires courage, determination and perseverance." He made no mention of the exploding devices but praised the work of Israel's army and security agencies, saying "the results are very impressive." Eight Israelis were reportedly wounded by Hezbollah anti-tank missile blasts early on Thursday in an apparent retaliation to the pager attacks. An IDF spokesperson told national media that they responding with artillery fire towards the source of the attack.