Shock and chaos in Lebanon: 20 dead, 450 injured as mysterious explosions rock Beirut

Lebanon was rocked by another series of devastating explosions on Wednesday, with at least 20 people killed and over 450 injured in a coordinated assault on the country’s southern region, the Bekaa Valley, and the southern suburbs of Beirut. According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, the explosions were caused by wireless devices such as walkie-talkies and pagers, escalating the already tense situation in the war-torn country.

Multiple explosions across Beirut and beyond

This new wave of explosions comes just a day after similar blasts from pager devices claimed the lives of at least 12 civilians and left 2,800 injured, many suffering from severe facial and hand injuries. The Lebanese Red Cross was overwhelmed by the extent of the devastation, deploying over 30 ambulances to provide immediate relief to victims in Beirut and surrounding areas. Hospitals, already at full capacity, struggled to cope, with patients being redirected to facilities further from the blast sites.

The explosions have created widespread fear, leading to roadblocks in several affected areas and significant damage to homes, cars, and businesses. Lebanese officials urged civilians to avoid gathering in public places as the situation remains highly volatile.

Hezbollah blames Israel, vows retaliation

Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militant group, was quick to point the finger at Israel, holding it responsible for what it described as an aggressive military operation targeting both Hezbollah members and civilians. In a statement, Hezbollah promised swift retaliation for what it called a “criminal Israeli attack,” further escalating tensions along the already fragile Israel-Lebanon border. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah is expected to address the nation in the coming days, hinting at a potential counterstrike.

Although Israel has neither confirmed nor denied involvement in the blasts, the situation remains precarious. The cross-border conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has been a source of ongoing instability in the region, with both sides engaging in skirmishes and artillery fire over the past several months.

International reaction and growing concerns

The United Nations and several international bodies have expressed deep concern over the escalating violence. The UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon called the situation “an unacceptable escalation in an already volatile region,” urging all parties to exercise restraint. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken clarified that the United States was not involved in the attacks, though he acknowledged the need for further investigation into Israel’s possible role.

Despite these calls for peace, Hezbollah shows no sign of backing down. Their aggressive rhetoric, coupled with the continued violence, has sparked fears of a broader conflict that could further destabilise the Middle East. The latest attacks come amid growing anxiety over Hezbollah’s support for Hamas in Gaza, adding another layer of complexity to Lebanon’s security situation.

Expert opinion: Is Lebanon on the brink of war?

According to Middle East experts, the current series of attacks could be a tipping point for Lebanon, as the violence threatens to engulf the entire region. Lebanon has been teetering on the edge of collapse for years, and this new round of explosions could be the spark that ignites a full-scale war. Hezbollah’s involvement in Gaza has left it vulnerable to attacks from Israel, which is keen on weakening the group while it is preoccupied with its regional ambitions.

Given the ongoing power struggles within Lebanon and the wider Middle East, the international community must step in to prevent a major humanitarian catastrophe. The world cannot afford to let Lebanon spiral further into chaos. Diplomatic efforts are urgently needed to de-escalate tensions.

Future uncertain as Lebanon faces a growing crisis

As the Lebanese government works to secure international support and contain the fallout from these devastating attacks, the situation on the ground remains fluid. With Hezbollah poised to retaliate and Israel maintaining its military operations, Lebanon could face further bloodshed in the coming days. This tragic escalation not only threatens regional stability but also risks drawing Lebanon further into the larger geopolitical struggles playing out in the Middle East.