In a shocking turn of events enveloping Lebanon, the aftermath of a series of devastating explosions continues to unfold. Just one day after an extraordinary incident where thousands of pagers detonated simultaneously, more explosions have rocked the country, targeting various handheld devices. These include walkie-talkie radios, mobile phones, laptops, and even solar power cells. Tragically, this has resulted in at least 20 fatalities and left 450 individuals injured.

On the day following the widespread pager explosions, reports detailing multiple blasts quickly went viral on messaging apps, with many users sharing harrowing images depicting exploded devices and burning residential buildings.

To provide context, on Tuesday, approximately 4,000 pagers belonging to Hezbollah operatives detonated over a concentrated timeframe of one hour. The calamity resulted in 12 deaths and nearly 3,000 injuries.

Was This Attack Smaller in Scale?

To answer the question definitively, it turns out to be both yes and no. Despite the fact that fewer devices were involved in this subsequent wave of explosions, the impact was magnified significantly due to the nature and size of the devices that detonated. These explosions resulted in greater injury rates compared to the pager incident.

Firass Abiad, Lebanon’s health minister, conveyed his concerns to Al Jazeera, stating that “individuals who sustained serious injuries were profoundly affected.” He underscored the need for heightened medical attention, given the gravity of the situation.

Where Did These Explosions Occur in Lebanon?

While information continues to emerge, reports indicate that numerous explosions were documented in several locations, including the southern suburbs of Beirut and the southern city of Tyre on Wednesday afternoon. Eyewitness accounts and imagery shared across social media platforms revealed charred vehicles and plumes of smoke billowing from residential areas, as reports indicated that walkie-talkies and solar cells were among the devices that exploded.

Al Jazeera correspondent Ali Hashem, present during these distressing events, disclosed that he witnessed an explosive incident occurring in a vehicle during a funeral in southern Lebanon. He emphasized that the explosion seemed internally driven, distinguishing it from a more traditional external strike such as a drone attack.

Describing the atmosphere on the streets, Hashem recounted scenes of chaos, with ambulances racing to transport the injured and a pervasive sense of panic as additional explosions were reported. “It’s likely that we are experiencing another wave of violence. This situation is extremely concerning, especially considering that yesterday’s incident already overwhelmed the healthcare sector,” Hashem reflected.

What Types of Devices Were Involved in the Explosions?

There is a diverse range of devices reported to have exploded during these alarming incidents. Among the most notable are the walkie-talkie radios, but there were also mentions of other electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptops, and even solar energy systems. Reports indicate that multiple cars also burst into flames, although it remains ambiguous if these events were triggered by the vehicles themselves or by explosive devices contained within them.

Understanding Walkie-Talkie Radios

A walkie-talkie is fundamentally a handheld, two-way radio device facilitating communication between individuals by relaying messages to a base station or directly to other mobile receivers. Generally designed for short-range communication, these devices require proximity to their base stations to effectively transmit signals.

The devices noted in this incident are identified as IC-V82 models, produced by the Japanese manufacturer ICOM. These particular devices are known for their extensive range compared to standard walkie-talkies, amplifying concerns regarding their safety and handling. ICOM acknowledged that the IC-V82s have not been manufactured for a decade, raising questions about the current safety protocols in handling older devices.

Could Third-Party Interference Have Caused These Explosions?

Details regarding the causes of these explosions remain murky; however, speculation abounds. Observers have suggested that the sequence of blasts may bear similarities to the earlier pager incident. In that scenario, concerns were raised that the supply chain had potentially been compromised, leading to the devices being rigged with between 1 to 3 grams (0.04 to 0.11 ounces) of a potent explosive substance.

There appear to be strong suspicions among Hezbollah members linking the recent explosions to issues regarding battery safety. Reports indicated that many members hastily removed the batteries from their radios and disposed of them immediately following an explosive incident during a funeral in southern Beirut, as reported by Reuters.

While most of the affected devices were primarily communication systems, there were indeed reports involving other technologies like solar panels, with at least one individual—a young girl—suffering injuries due to a solar cell explosion.

Hezbollah and the Lebanese government have placed blame for these incidents squarely on Israel, though no comments have been issued by Israeli officials as of now.

What Is Israel’s Motive Behind These Actions?

The long-term strategy of Israel regarding Lebanon remains uncertain; however, these attacks mark a significant escalation in hostilities directed towards Hezbollah and Lebanon as a whole. Analysts have previously criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of heightening tensions on various fronts as a means to deflect attention from security failures and to mitigate the pressures of a ongoing corruption trial he is facing.

According to reports, his most recent objective involves establishing a “new war goal”, which entails securing the northern segment along the Lebanese border, thereby enabling the safe return of Israelis who have evacuated from the region. Confirming the bolder stance, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant announced on Wednesday evening that military forces and resources would be diverted from the ongoing extensive campaign in Gaza towards northern operations.

What Are The Implications for Hezbollah?

These attacks represent a significant security breach for Hezbollah and serve as a disturbing element of psychological warfare. Analysts are beginning to speculate whether the recent events have dented Hezbollah’s standing and image within Lebanon. Despite the calamity, Hezbollah’s communications apparatus reportedly remains intact. Security and political analyst Elijah Magnier noted that thousands of older pagers were, remarkably, unaffected and the organization has implemented alternative secured communication systems to maintain their operations.

Nevertheless, as panic spread throughout the region, many individuals in Lebanon began disposing of their devices or bringing them into local repair shops for inspection.

Prior to the latest explosions, Hezbollah stated that it retaliated against Israeli artillery positions, marking the first counterstrike since the original attacks, according to sources from Reuters.

What Lies Ahead?

The perception in Lebanon is that this aggressive action by Israel is viewed as a form of terrorism since it has bred widespread fear and disorder. Al Jazeera correspondent Imran Khan articulated that “there is a pervasive sense of intimidation among the populace.”

According to Magnier, Israel has efficiently succeeded in creating disarray within both Hezbollah’s ranks and the broader society. He emphasized the proliferation of frantic reports and a climate of confusion emerging as signs of Israel’s successful strategy in opting for a delay before the second wave of detonations—further complicating a pre-existing chaotic state.

“This outcome aligns with Israel’s objective to induce confusion and potentially set the stage for a phase three of action,” he added. “We must stay vigilant for what further developments may arise, as this incident is by no means an ending point.”

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