The Associated Press reported on Wednesday about the aftermath of a secret Israeli operation that targeted Hezbollah, resulting in injuries among several officials and affiliates. This operation appears to have caused numerous explosions across Lebanon, affecting homes, hospitals, and frontline positions.
The article highlights an attack that occurred almost a year ago, on September 17, 2024. It’s said that six individuals connected to Hezbollah were injured in simultaneous explosions, which were attributed to Israel. Allegations suggest Israel infiltrated Hezbollah’s supply chain and distributed devices through shell companies to carry out the operation.
Hezbollah stated that most of those harmed were members of the group, with some being family and support personnel. Reports from Hezbollah and Lebanese officials indicate that the attack resulted in 12 fatalities, including two children, and left over 3,000 people injured.
Survivors recounted their experiences, with one, Mahdi Sheri, a 23-year-old fighter, sharing that he picked up his pager after it prompted him to “Press Ok.” Tragically, the device exploded in his hands, leading to significant injuries that required treatment in Syria and Iraq. He now has a prosthetic leg and managed to marry his fiancée via video call from the hospital, expressing a resolve to move forward despite his injuries.
Another survivor, Zeinab Mestrah, compared the chaotic hospital scene to a slaughterhouse, as families desperately called out for loved ones to identify them in the confusion. “People didn’t recognize each other,” she explained to the AP.
The operation targeted Hezbollah’s encrypted pager network, which the group had been using for communication to evade detection. Israeli officials have defended their actions as precise military strikes against militant groups that have launched rockets into Israeli territory. They insisted that the devices were designed to detonate only when used by approved individuals. Mossad, however, refrained from commenting on specific details of the operation.
Interestingly, the AP noted that all interviewees were either affiliated with Hezbollah or closely connected to it, having been given contact information by the Hezbollah Injured Association. Notably, the report does not address prior rocket attacks by Hezbollah on Israel or the organization’s role in regional violence, instead focusing on the emotional toll on those injured and their families, many of whom continue to express support for the group.
Sheri reflected on the impact of the attacks, stating, “It affects not only us, but the people around us.” Meanwhile, recent developments suggest Hezbollah may be considering reducing its arsenal due to economic strains and declining support from Iran, as the Lebanese government also plans to address Hezbollah’s military capabilities by the end of the year.
In light of the escalating tensions, Hezbollah’s leader warned that any new Israeli offensive could provoke a swift missile retaliation, claiming that Israel’s security would be compromised within hours.
