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Lebanon's Electronic Nightmare: A Nation Grapples with Explosive Devices and Security Concerns

Lebanon's Electronic Nightmare: A Nation Grapples with Explosive Devices and Security Concerns
Thursday 19 September 2024 - 10:47
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In a chilling turn of events, Lebanon has become a battleground for a new kind of warfare, with electronic devices turning into deadly weapons. The past two days have witnessed a series of random explosions, leaving the nation in a state of fear and uncertainty.

Beirut and other Lebanese cities have been rocked by a mysterious attack, targeting everyday electronic items. The aftermath of these explosions has resulted in a tragic loss of life and a heightened sense of anxiety among the Lebanese people.

According to official reports, Wednesday's attack claimed the lives of twenty individuals and injured over 450 more. The previous day's assault, which targeted thousands of Hezbollah pagers, resulted in an even higher death toll, with twelve lives lost and nearly 3,000 wounded.

The attacks have sparked intense debates within the country, with many questioning the security of their electronic devices and the overall stability of Lebanon. The alleged target list includes mobile phones, laptops, solar energy cells, and walkie-talkies, all purchased around the same time as the exploding pagers.

As the explosions continued, officials scrambled to contain the situation, conducting controlled detonations of suspicious devices found across the country. The tension was palpable, especially as the devices targeted on Wednesday were described as more "modern" and widely used.

Event planner Maria Boustany, concerned for the safety of her team, made the decision to abandon their walkie-talkies, opting for the seemingly safer alternative of WhatsApp for communication.

Despite the challenges, Lebanon's healthcare system has been praised for its resilience. Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati assured that hospitals were managing to cope with the influx of new injuries. Salah Zeineldine, the chief medical officer at the American University of Beirut Medical Center, reported that while they still had patients undergoing surgeries, none were in life-threatening conditions.

However, the psychological impact of these attacks cannot be overlooked. Many individuals, like 40-year-old Ali, expressed their determination and resilience in the face of fear. "The people are strong," Ali asserted, "fear is the furthest thing from our minds."

As the nation grapples with the aftermath, social media platforms have become a battleground for debates. Discussions revolve around the precision and legality of the attacks, with some praising Israel's military prowess and others condemning the potential violation of international law.

The ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel has escalated, with near-daily cross-border attacks since last October. Hezbollah has vowed to continue fighting in support of Hamas, while Israel has intensified discussions about expanding the war. Premier Benjamin Netanyahu's announcement of expanded war goals, including the return of families to their northern homes, has further fueled tensions.

In response to the attacks, Hezbollah has promised a special punishment, with their Executive Council chief, Hashem Safieddine, declaring that Israel had initiated a new confrontation.

As Lebanon navigates this electronic nightmare, the future remains uncertain. The nation's resilience and determination will be tested as they face the challenges posed by these explosive devices and the broader geopolitical tensions.


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