Watch : 8 Killed, 2750 Injured in Lebanon Pager Explosions: Hezbollah Blames Israel

On September 17, 2024, a series of pager explosions in Lebanon resulted in eight deaths and injuries to over 2,750 people. The blasts occurred at approximately 3:30 PM local time, impacting several Hezbollah strongholds across the country. Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani, was among those injured.

Hezbollah, a group classified as a terrorist organization by both the United States and the European Union, has accused Israel of orchestrating the attacks. The group claims that the coordinated explosions represent the most significant security breach it has faced. Reports suggest that the explosions were caused either by overheating lithium batteries due to a cyber attack or by explosives placed inside the pagers. However, these claims have not been independently verified.

Hezbollah's statement indicated that the explosions targeted pager devices used by its members and officials. The group is conducting investigations to determine the cause of the simultaneous detonations and has urged people to avoid spreading rumors that might serve psychological warfare purposes.

The incident also caused injuries in Syria, with at least four people hurt in Damascus from a pager explosion in a vehicle. The explosions mark a new phase in the ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, which has intensified since the onset of the Gaza war in October 2023.

Hezbollah has relied on its own communication systems to avoid Israeli breaches, advising its members to avoid using mobile phones. The group’s statement stated the need to be cautious about misinformation and to rely on accurate information as they investigate the attacks.

Israel has yet to respond to Hezbollah’s accusations.