What to Know About the Explosions in Lebanon and Israel-Hezbollah Tensions (original) (raw)
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What We Know About the Deadly Wireless-Device Explosions in Lebanon
The seemingly coordinated blasts targeting Hezbollah members stoked fears of a broadening conflict.
An ambulance carrying wounded people at the emergency entrance of the American University hospital in Beirut on Tuesday.Credit...Hassan Ammar/Associated Press
Published Sept. 18, 2024Updated Sept. 19, 2024, 1:58 p.m. ET
A second wave of hand-held devices simultaneously exploded in Lebanon on Wednesday, killing at least 25 people and injuring hundreds more, one day after 12 people were killed and thousands wounded in a similar attack that targeted members of Hezbollah.
The blasts — which came after Israeli officials said they were ready to step up attacks against the Iranian-backed militia — have heightened concerns that Israel’s long-simmering conflict with the group might escalate into a broader war. Hezbollah and Iran quickly blamed Tuesday’s operation on Israel, an assessment confirmed by U.S. and other officials. Israel has not confirmed or denied responsibility.
Video
Walkie-talkies belonging to Hezbollah members exploded across Lebanon on Wednesday, killing more than a dozen people and wounding hundreds, officials said. The Times verified footage from an explosion at a funeral that sent mourners fleeing for safety.CreditCredit...Mohammad Zaatari/Associated Press
Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, addressed the public on Thursday for the first time since attacks, vowing that “retribution will come.” As he spoke, Israeli fighter jets roared over Beirut.
With hospitals in Lebanon overwhelmed by the number of wounded, anxiety was mounting as Israel and Lebanon awaited retaliation from Hezbollah and its allies.
Here’s what you need to know about the attack and its potential ramifications.
What happened?
Pagers carried by hundreds of Hezbollah fighters began beeping for several seconds at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday with what appeared to be a message from the group’s leadership, according to two officials familiar with the attack. Then they exploded — in grocery shops, on sidewalks, even on a moving motorcycle.
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