Image Credits - BBC
The United States has denied any involvement or prior knowledge of a series of pager explosions across Lebanon that left at least nine people dead and 2,750 others injured. The blasts occurred simultaneously in multiple locations, including Beirut’s southern suburbs, the Bekaa Valley, and southern Lebanon. Many of the injured are reported to be in critical condition, according to Lebanon’s Health Minister Firas al-Abyad, who also confirmed the death of an eight-year-old girl among the victims.
“I can tell you that the U.S. was not involved in it, the U.S. was not aware of this incident in advance and, at this point, we’re gathering information,” said State Department spokesman Matthew Miller during a press briefing. He added that the U.S. is currently gathering more information about the explosions, but declined to offer further comments on potential responsibility.
The explosions primarily targeted pagers and other communication devices, many of which reportedly belonged to Hezbollah members or workers within the group’s various institutions. Hezbollah, a powerful militant group based in Lebanon, immediately pointed the finger at Israel, accusing it of carrying out what they described as a “criminal aggression.” The Lebanese cabinet echoed this accusation, holding Israel responsible for the blasts.
Israel has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident. However, the region has been fraught with heightened tensions as Hezbollah and Israel have been exchanging fire along the Lebanese-Israeli border since the beginning of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza in October.
Hezbollah has vowed to retaliate for the attacks, further raising concerns about a potential escalation in a conflict that has already caused significant instability in the region. Lebanese authorities are currently investigating the explosions as the situation remains volatile.