Radio Communication Devices Explode Again in Lebanon, Killing 12

A series of explosions targeting radio communication devices, including walkie-talkies, rocked Lebanon on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, just a day after a massive attack on Hezbollah members via pager devices.

While initial reports suggested pager devices were the target, the explosions were later confirmed to be targeting walkie-talkies, specifically "Icom" brand devices, in multiple areas across Lebanon. The National News Agency reported three fatalities in the town of Sahrour due to the explosions.

Reuters, quoting a security source and an eyewitness, confirmed that the devices detonated were handheld walkie-talkies, distinct from the pagers that exploded the previous day.

A security source told Reuters that Hezbollah purchased the walkie-talkies five months ago, around the same time they acquired the pagers. Meanwhile, Axios cited sources claiming that Israel detonated thousands of the communication devices used by Hezbollah members.

Reports indicate that the explosions occurred during a funeral procession for the son of a Hezbollah deputy. Sources claim the explosions targeted walkie-talkies carried by Hezbollah members, some of which were in residential homes.

A source close to Hezbollah told the French Press Agency that a number of walkie-talkies exploded in Beirut's southern suburbs. A Hezbollah-affiliated ambulance service confirmed explosions in two vehicles in the southern suburbs. The National News Agency reported explosions targeting pagers and walkie-talkies in the southern suburbs, the south, and the Bekaa Valley in eastern Lebanon.

The Lebanese army urged citizens to avoid areas with security incidents to allow for the passage of medical teams.

On Tuesday, Lebanon experienced widespread attacks targeting pagers carried by Hezbollah members.

Lebanese Health Minister Firas Abiad reported on Wednesday that the death toll from the pager and walkie-talkie explosions had risen to 12, including two children. Several countries have offered medical assistance.

Abiad stated that between 2750 and 2800 people were treated in hospitals on Tuesday, with approximately 300 suffering serious injuries, including children and women, not just Hezbollah members. He added that 460 surgeries have been performed so far, primarily for eye and facial injuries.