Following a devastating wave of pager-bomb attacks that struck Lebanon earlier this week, a second explosion rocked the Hezbollah stronghold of Dahiyeh, southern Beirut, on Wednesday. The blast, captured on video, caused panic as mourners gathered for the funerals of an 11-year-old boy and three Hezbollah members killed the previous day. Screams and chaos filled the air as fears grew that walkie-talkies and other electronic devices were now being targeted, causing widespread anxiety about the safety of all electronic equipment.
Hezbollah supporters were on high alert, with many demanding journalists avoid using phones or cameras. Lebanese officials reported that the death toll had risen to at least 20, with 450 more injured across the country. Fires broke out in homes, shops, and vehicles, leaving widespread devastation in their wake.
The attacks, seen as a blow to Hezbollah’s reputation, are fueling suspicions that its communication network may have been infiltrated by Israeli forces. The synchronized pager explosions on Tuesday were believed to have been triggered after users received deceptive messages they thought were from Hezbollah. These explosions killed 12 people, including young children, and injured nearly 3,000. Many of the injured lost limbs or suffered severe facial damage, with doctors overwhelmed by the extent of the injuries.
While the exact method of the Wednesday attacks remains unclear, Hezbollah blames Israel for both waves of destruction. Israel has yet to comment, but tensions are rising, with fears of an all-out war between the two forces. Hezbollah’s ongoing attacks on Israel, in solidarity with Gaza, show no signs of abating, despite Lebanon’s internal struggles and economic challenges.
Mourners at the funeral in Dahiyeh expressed defiance, vowing that the attacks would only strengthen their resolve. Israel’s defense minister, Yoav Gallant, announced the beginning of a new phase in the conflict, signaling that the situation could escalate further. Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, is expected to deliver a critical response soon, which may indicate the group’s next moves.