KUALA LUMPUR – A second wave of explosions involving electronic devices killed 20 people and injured over 450 across Lebanon yesterday, the Lebanese Health Ministry confirmed.
A source close to Hezbollah said walkie-talkies used by its members detonated in Beirut, as well as southern and eastern Lebanon, AFP reported.
These incidents followed Tuesday’s blasts involving pagers, which killed 12 people including two children, and injured nearly 2,800 across Lebanon.
Hezbollah alleged that Israel was behind the attacks, though the regime has not issued any official comment. The previous day’s events marked a sharp escalation, with Israel recently broadening its military operations in Gaza to include targeting the Lebanese party.
Bernama, quoting foreign media sources, reported that yesterday’s explosions were heard across Beirut’s southern suburbs, as well as east and south sides of the country.
The devices exploded in cars and on motorbikes used by Hezbollah members, with the blasts reported to be heard when the group was mourning the victims of the previous day’s attacks.
During a funeral, Hezbollah executive council chairman Hashem Sefeiddine vowed retaliation, stating: “This aggression has its own punishment and retribution, and the punishment will come, God willing.”
He also said Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah would clarify their stance in a speech today.
In response to the growing violence, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati held discussions with the Committee for Disaster and Crisis Management to prepare for further Israeli attacks.
Environment Minister Nasser Yassin, leading the committee, reassured the public that 100 schools were being prepared as shelters and that Lebanon had sufficient food supplies for over three months, with a ship carrying 40,000 tons of grain and flour expected soon.
He added that 50,000 food rations, supported by the World Food Programme and other groups, would be available for displaced people.
The US State Department denied that the States had any involvement in the explosion, and was not aware of the incident beforehand.
Amid the escalating situation, Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry announced it is closely monitoring the developments in Lebanon.
Meanwhile, Wisma Putra confirmed that no Malaysians have been affected by the incidents and issued an advisory urging Malaysians in Lebanon to exercise caution, avoid travel to the southern regions, and stay informed through reliable news sources.
The ministry, in a statement, also assured that the Malaysian Battalion, stationed in Lebanon, remains safe and unaffected.
Malaysians in Lebanon who have not yet registered with the embassy were encouraged to do so via https://ekonsular.kln.gov.my/.
It advised Malaysians in need of consular assistance to contact theMalaysian embassy in Beirut. The embassy is located at Lot 170, Saad Zaghloul Street, Downtown, Beirut, Lebanon.
For immediate assistance, individuals can reach out via phone at +961 71 380 063 or +961 7677 2527, or through email at mwbeirut@kln.gov.my.
Wisma Putra added that it will continue providing updates to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all Malaysians in Lebanon. – September 19, 2024