Pagers explode in Syria after Lebanon explosions injure 4,000
An ambulance arrives to American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC) as more than 1,000 people, including Hezbollah fighters and medics, were wounded when the pagers they use to communicate exploded across Lebanon, according to a security source, in Beirut, Lebanon (Reuters Photo)
At least 10 people were injured in Damascus, Syria, after a series of explosions involving pager communication devices, according to reports from social media accounts close to the Syrian regime. The blasts, which targeted a vehicle reportedly belonging to Hezbollah, occurred along the road between Kafr Sousa and the Mouwasat Tunnel, as well as in the Sayyida Zaynab area, a predominantly Shia neighborhood in the Syrian capital.
The same sources claimed that Israel was behind the detonations. The incident in Damascus follows similar reports from Lebanon, where a mass explosion of the devices claimed nine lives, including that of a child, and injured over 4,000 people. Lebanese Health Minister Firas Al-Abiad confirmed the death toll and added that around 400 of the injured remain in critical condition.
Hezbollah, the powerful Shia militia and political faction, confirmed that at least two of its members were killed and several others were wounded in the explosions. In a statement, Hezbollah blamed Israel for the incident, warning of “just retaliation from unexpected quarters.” The group did not specify when or how it would respond but held Israel fully responsible for the loss of life and injuries.
In the wake of the explosion, some of the injured from Beirut were transferred to hospitals in Damascus for treatment, reflecting the close ties between Hezbollah and its allies in Syria.
Lebanese media have suggested that the explosions were caused by an Israeli breach of the communication system, leading to the detonation of the pager devices. In response, the Lebanese Health Ministry has urged all citizens to dispose of any such devices immediately to prevent further incidents.
The explosions occurred amid escalating tensions between Hezbollah and Israel, with cross-border attacks intensifying following an Israeli military offensive in Gaza. The Israeli strikes have resulted in more than 41,200 deaths, primarily women and children, according to Palestinian health officials. The conflict erupted after a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 of last year, and violence has since escalated across the region.
What are pager devices?
Pager communication devices were widely used during the 1980s and 1990s, particularly in regions with limited access to mobile technology. However, they have largely fallen out of use in recent years. Despite this, Hezbollah and other groups have reportedly continued to rely on such devices due to their perceived resistance to certain types of electronic surveillance and jamming technologies used by Israel and other military powers.
The sudden explosions of these devices represent a new and troubling development in the ongoing conflict, raising questions about the security of communication systems across the region. Lebanese authorities are investigating the cause of the detonation and have issued warnings to prevent further casualties.
