In an unprecedented security incident, hundreds of Hezbollah members, including both fighters and medical personnel, were severely injured on Tuesday when their communication devices suddenly exploded. A security source revealed to Reuters that the devices, which are critical for internal communication, detonated across multiple locations, causing widespread chaos and confusion among the group.
According to an unnamed Hezbollah official, this represents the most significant security breach the group has faced in nearly a year of ongoing conflict with Israel. The official described the incident as a major blow to the group’s operational capabilities, as the pagers used by fighters for communication detonated without warning.
The explosions occurred in Hezbollah strongholds, including the southern suburbs of Beirut, where panic quickly set in. A Reuters reporter on the scene witnessed ambulances racing through the streets as civilians gathered in groups outside buildings, anxiously checking on the well-being of their loved ones. Even 30 minutes after the initial blasts, sporadic explosions were still occurring, further intensifying the sense of alarm in the area.
In addition to the explosions in Beirut, similar incidents were reported in southern Lebanon, where Hezbollah maintains a strong presence. The cause of the detonations remains unclear, and there has been no immediate response from Israeli military officials, despite the ongoing exchange of fire between Hezbollah and Israeli forces since the escalation of hostilities in Gaza last October.
The unexpected detonation of Hezbollah’s communication devices raises concerns about the group’s vulnerability to cyber warfare or sabotage, though no group has claimed responsibility for the incident.
The situation continues to develop as Hezbollah scrambles to assess the extent of the damage and ensure the safety of its personnel.