New Explosions Rock Lebanon: 20 Dead, 450 Injured, Say Health Officials

On Wednesday, a series of explosions involving wireless devices resulted in the deaths of at least 20 individuals and left around 450 more injured across Lebanon. Reports from the Ministry of Health and the Lebanese Red Cross confirmed these figures, highlighting the ongoing turmoil affecting the region.

Among those who lost their lives, ten were confirmed members of Hezbollah. The organization issued a statement acknowledging their deaths amidst escalating violence.

The Lebanese Red Cross mobilized over 30 ambulances to treat and evacuate the injured. Notably, 95 individuals were critically injured and later transported to Iran for specialized medical treatment, according to emergency officials in Lebanon.

In light of the chaos, the Lebanese Army urged citizens to avoid gathering in areas impacted by security incidents, allowing medical teams unhindered access to respond to emergencies.

In a related incident on Tuesday, a wave of explosions caused the deaths of at least 12 civilians and injured approximately 2,800 people. Lebanese Health Minister Firass Abiad reported that about 460 of those injuries were severe and required surgical intervention. Many victims suffered facial and ocular injuries, among other trauma.

According to sources, Israel has been implicated in the attacks, with reports indicating that each of the explosive devices used contained between one to two ounces of explosives. Hezbollah has since initiated a “security and scientific investigation” into the circumstances surrounding the explosions.

Hezbollah acknowledged that 11 of its members were killed in the prior day’s explosions but did not elaborate on the specifics of their deaths. The organization issued a statement attributing responsibility for these attacks to “the Israeli enemy,” describing them as a criminal act that endangered not only their members but also innocent civilians, including children.

The casualties include an 8-year-old girl and an 11-year-old boy, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the violence. The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that at least 14 individuals were also injured by targeted attacks against Hezbollah members in Syria on the same day.

Despite the claims of responsibility, Israel has yet to comment on the alleged accusations regarding its involvement. Reports indicate that chaos erupted in various parts of Beirut and its southern suburbs following the events, prompting almost 100 hospitals to receive the injured victims. Consequently, medical facilities quickly reached capacity, necessitating the transfer of patients to other locations.

Among the injured was the Iranian ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani, who had one of the explosive devices. His condition was reported to be stable, and he expressed solidarity with the Lebanese populace in the wake of this tragic event, framing it as a terrorist attack against their nation. He indicated that Iran would pursue measures in response to the assault.

The alarming incidents have stoked fears of heightened conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which have been engaged in escalating hostilities since early October. Israeli forces conducted airstrikes on identified Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, highlighting the continuing cycle of violence.

In response to the unfolding crisis, Lebanese educational institutions were ordered to close as a precautionary measure. The Minister of Education announced the temporary shutdown of schools, universities, and technical institutes to ensure safety.

The Lebanese government collectively condemned the attacks, declaring them a grave violation of sovereignty and demanding accountability from the international community. The Council of Ministers has reached out to relevant nations and the United Nations to address these ongoing threats to peace and stability.

Statements from the United Nations echoed these sentiments, with officials expressing deep concern over the escalated violence in an already tumultuous region. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken clarified that the U.S. had no prior knowledge of the incidents and reiterated the importance of avoiding further escalation in the region.

Efforts to establish a ceasefire in Gaza were highlighted as a potential pathway to reducing tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border. The aim remains to restore peace and allow affected communities on both sides to return to normalcy.

The gravity of the situation continues to unfold, with both local and international implications as the involved parties navigate this escalating conflict.

Source: ABC News