17 Sep 2024 | 05:06 PM UTC
Lebanon: Explosions kill at least eight suspected Hizballah militants and wound thousands of others across country on Sept. 17 /update 3
Explosions kill at least eight Lebanese Hizballah militants, wound thousands of others across Lebanon Sept. 17. Increased security likely.
The explosions of wireless communication devices across Lebanon have killed at least eight Lebanese Hizballah (LH) militants and wounded over 2,800 others. Among those killed is the son of an LH member of Parliament. According to Lebanon's Ministry of Public Health, some 200 people are in critical condition. The explosions occurred across Lebanon, including in the LH stronghold of Dahieh, areas near the border with Israel, and Beqaa Governorate. The exact cause of the explosions remains unclear, though initial reports allege Israeli authorities hacked into LH's communication network to detonate the devices. Casualty figures will likely rise over the coming hours.
Local authorities are expected to carry out security operations in the affected areas, which may include measures like checkpoints and vehicle inspections, potentially leading to localized transportation disruptions.
Avoid the impacted areas until authorities give the all-clear. Seek alternative routes and allow additional travel time to nearby destinations. Heed instructions from authorities. In light of recent regional tensions, consider avoiding nonessential travel to Lebanon, particularly the border region shared with Israel, until the situation stabilizes. Consider departing Lebanon via commercial means while these are available. Note that commercial options in Lebanon may become increasingly limited if the security environment deteriorates.
