This is a developing story, with casualty numbers expected to rise and further significant developments anticipated. all information is preliminary, with numbers and info subject to change.
A series of simultaneous explosions involving communication devices used by Hezbollah operatives caused widespread casualties across Lebanon on Tuesday, injuring thousands. The blasts, which reportedly targeted encrypted pagers used by the group, are believed to be the result of a sophisticated cyberattack. Lebanese media and security sources suggest that more than 3,000
were injured, with over 200 Hezbollah operatives critically wounded with third-degree burns and amputations. Based on battery debris, the pagers have been identified as the Gold Apollo Rugged Pager AR924S.
Hezbollah has officially accused Israel of carrying out the cyberattack that caused encrypted pagers to explode across Lebanon.The Lebanese government has also placed the blame on Israel, calling the explosions a violation of Lebanese sovereignty. The coordinated detonations, which took place in several locations including Beirut and southern Lebanon, primarily affected Hezbollah members and their affiliates. Reports also indicate that at least 18 senior Hezbollah commanders in western Syria, primarily in the Damascus countryside, were also injured in today’s pager explosions.
CRAZY FOOTAGE 🚨🚨🚨
Hezbollah operative beeper suddenly explodes https://t.co/kmmqB6Kl1L pic.twitter.com/D2KnCh4yjE
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) September 17, 2024
Hezbollah officials described the attack as the “biggest security breach” they have faced in over a year of conflict with Israel. Lebanese and Hezbollah sources claim that Israel hacked the pagers, causing them to overheat and explode simultaneously. Many of the devices are alleged to have been newly introduced to Hezbollah’s operatives in the last 3 months, and were in use when they detonated. However, some Lebanese sources claim that Israel hacked the devices, causing the lithium batteries to overheat and explode. Israeli authorities have not yet commented on the accusations. The Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, “We strongly condemn the Israeli cyberattack that led to the explosion of numerous communication devices in several areas across Lebanon.”
Scenes of panic and hysteria were reported across the country, where explosions were witnessed for up to 30 minutes after the initial blasts. Some explosions were captured on CCTV footage, showing handheld pagers suddenly detonating in public spaces, including markets and shops. In response, Lebanon’s health ministry urged medical workers to return to hospitals and advised citizens to avoid using wireless communication devices until more is known about the attack.
Insane Footage from today, showing the Detonation of several Encrypted Pagers used by Hezbollah at a Supermarket in Beirut, resulting in multiple Injuries. pic.twitter.com/UqSX9EorPd
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) September 17, 2024
Hospitals across Lebanon are reportedly overwhelmed as injured victims continue to arrive in large numbers. The Lebanese health ministry reported that at least nine people have been killed, including two Hezbollah members and a young girl, who died after a pager exploded inside her home. Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani, was also reported to have been injured, though his injuries are believed to be minor. Hezbollah officials also confirmed that among the wounded are the sons of high-ranking officials, including two sons of senior Hezbollah security chief Wafic Safa, one of whom is in critical condition. The son of Hezbollah MP Hassan Fadlallah was also injured.
Developing 🚨🚨🚨
Hezbollah communication devices across Lebanon exploded, causing devastation that even reached hospitals. The attack was a cyber operation carried out by Israel. pic.twitter.com/0kbZiqpoub
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) September 17, 2024
This comes in the wake of a foiled assassination plot, reportedly orchestrated by Hezbollah, to target a senior Israeli defense official in Tel Aviv. The attack has raised concerns of further escalation between Israel and Hezbollah, as both sides reportedly preparing for potential retaliatory actions.
SOFX will be attaching a collection of videos and images below that are being shared on social media relating to the event.
This terrorist was lucky… blew up while it was in his dresser https://t.co/kmmqB6Kl1L pic.twitter.com/lE3Ji6p7Q4
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) September 17, 2024
The top guys in Hezbollah get the new beepers first…
The small terrorists were very sad. Now they are happy. pic.twitter.com/p0qPHecld2
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) September 17, 2024
Hospital in Beirut right now ‼️ https://t.co/kmmqB6Kl1L pic.twitter.com/IAYXHv4s7e
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) September 17, 2024
BREAKING 🚨🚨🚨
Suddenly, Hezbollah operatives across the country collapsed as their communication devices were hacked and detonated. pic.twitter.com/UIOH3xpPg5
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) September 17, 2024
🇱🇧🇮🇱⚡️- Injured individuals in Beirut, some with severed hands and blood from their faces pic.twitter.com/7bwX4F4fJD
— Rerum Novarum // Intel, Breaking News, and Alerts (@officialrnintel) September 17, 2024
BREAKING:
Israel injures hundreds of Hezbollah operatives by hacking their pagers and making them explode. Most likely, they made the lithium batteries overheat.
There are many videos and pictures of the attack circulating online.
Via @TreyYingst pic.twitter.com/CnQoW0yp6b
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) September 17, 2024
This is incredible
Israel has literally blown off the bollocks of Islamic terrorists Hezbollah
Israel hacked the pagers in their pockets and has blown up their testicles
— leekern (@leekern13) September 17, 2024
The pagers are generally kept in their pockets.
This means Israel is literally blowing off Hezbollah testicles all across Lebanon today. Hundreds of them.
Well deserved.
— 𝗡𝗶𝗼𝗵 𝗕𝗲𝗿𝗴 ♛ ✡︎ (@NiohBerg) September 17, 2024
BREAKING 🚨🚨
Israel is carrying out “limited operations” targeting Hezbollah, according to Lebanese sources. Reports indicate that dozens of Hezbollah operatives in southern Lebanon and Beirut were either killed or critically injured when their communication radios unexpectedly… pic.twitter.com/QXP6ayb8vp
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) September 17, 2024
Old video of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah warning his men that phones and electronic devices are a threat
Via @Anthonioseo pic.twitter.com/VkunBwbxd5
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) September 17, 2024
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