A series of explosions across Lebanon on Tuesday left hundreds injured, including dozens of Hezbollah members, in what appears to be a coordinated attack on their pagers.
According to Lebanese state media, it was reported that several areas, particularly Hezbollah strongholds in the southern suburbs of Beirut and the Beqaa valley, were affected by the blasts.
The Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani, was among the injured in Beirut, according to Iranian state media.
His injuries were described as superficial, and he is currently under observation in the hospital, according to reports from IRNA, citing his wife. Two employees of the Iranian embassy were also hurt in the blasts.
The Lebanese Ministry of Health has issued an urgent warning, asking citizens in possession of pagers to discard them immediately.
Hospitals have been placed on high alert as they brace for an influx of injured people, with health workers across the country being called in to handle the emergency.
The ministry has also requested blood donations to accommodate the expected rise in demand.
The explosions, which took place in Hezbollah-dominated areas like Ali Al-Nahri and Riyaq in Lebanon’s Beqaa valley, have raised concerns about the security situation in the country.
Videos circulating on social media show the powerful blasts, with many injured victims, including children, being treated for facial, hand, and other severe injuries.
One CCTV video captured the moment of an explosion in a supermarket, showing a man picking out fruit when the blast tore his bag apart. The man dropped to the ground, clutching his abdomen in pain as bystanders fled in fear.
The Israeli military, which has been involved in ongoing hostilities with Hezbollah since the start of the Gaza war in October, declined to comment on the incident.
As investigations continue, Lebanese authorities are urging the public to remain cautious, warning of the potential for further attacks.
