Beirut, Lebanon – Multiple explosions were reported in the Beirut suburb of Dahiyeh and other parts of Lebanon on Wednesday, raising concerns about escalating tensions in the region.
Dahiyeh, a stronghold of Hezbollah, was among the areas hit by blasts that startled residents and echoed through the streets.
According to Reuters journalists stationed in the southern suburbs of Beirut, at least two distinct explosions were heard in different locations.
The cause of the explosions has not yet been officially identified, but initial reports from Lebanese media point to a disturbing pattern of recent detonations involving communication devices used by Hezbollah operatives.
Tons of Hezbollah walkie talkies are reportedly blowing up in Lebanon today, including at a funeral for some of the militants who didn’t survive yesterday’s carnage. pic.twitter.com/8S0HCHK3GD
— Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) September 18, 2024
These incidents follow a series of explosions involving pagers used by Hezbollah members across the country, which occurred earlier this week.
In a new development, Wednesday’s blasts reportedly involved handheld radios, rather than the pagers that had been the focus of previous incidents.
This shift in targeted devices suggests a broader attack on Hezbollah’s communication infrastructure, potentially compromising their operational capabilities.
Hezbollah Communication Devices Under Fire
Speculation is mounting that the explosions are part of a coordinated campaign aimed at neutralizing Hezbollah’s communication network.
According to local reports, there have been several incidents in which two-way radios and pagers belonging to Hezbollah members have exploded without warning.
In some cases, these devices detonated during public gatherings, including a funeral for four Hezbollah operatives who were killed in a similar blast the day before.
Footage circulating on social media, including posts from the War Monitor Twitter account, shows a mobile phone store in Sidon, southern Lebanon, where multiple devices, including an iPhone, reportedly exploded.
Witnesses have claimed that personal radios were among the devices destroyed in the blast, further fueling concerns about a concerted effort to disrupt Hezbollah’s communication abilities.
While no group has officially claimed responsibility for the explosions, sources close to Hezbollah believe that Israel may be behind the attacks.
The group accuses Israeli forces of using advanced technology to remotely target and destroy thousands of communication devices used by Hezbollah members across Lebanon.
These allegations have yet to be verified, but similar tactics have been reported in past confrontations between Hezbollah and Israel.
Rising Tensions Amid Ongoing Conflict
The explosions come at a time of heightened tension in Lebanon, where Hezbollah remains a powerful political and military force.
The group, which is backed by Iran, has long been at odds with Israel, and the two sides have engaged in numerous military skirmishes over the years.
Hezbollah’s extensive communication network, which includes encrypted radios and other secure devices, is believed to be a crucial element of its military strategy.
If confirmed, the targeting of these devices would represent a significant blow to Hezbollah’s operational security.
Analysts suggest that the destruction of personal communication tools could disrupt the group’s ability to coordinate activities and respond to potential threats.
Lebanese authorities have yet to comment officially on the cause of the explosions, and Hezbollah has remained tight-lipped about the incidents.
However, the blasts have sparked fear and uncertainty among residents in affected areas, many of whom are concerned about the possibility of further attacks.
As investigations continue, the Lebanese public is left grappling with the aftermath of the explosions and the broader implications for security in the region.