18-9-2024 (BEIRUT) Lebanon was rocked by a series of new explosions on Wednesday, resulting in at least three deaths and dozens of injuries, according to security sources cited by Reuters and the state-run National News Agency (NNA).
The NNA reported that the three fatalities occurred in the Bekaa region in eastern Lebanon, marking a grim escalation in the ongoing crisis. The blasts, which occurred in the afternoon, have exacerbated concerns about the fragile security situation in the country. Details remain scant at this time, with authorities scrambling to ascertain the full extent of the damage and casualties.
This latest incident follows closely on the heels of Tuesday’s targeted explosions aimed at the militant group Hezbollah, which had already set the international community on edge. Prior to Wednesday’s events, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres had issued a stark warning about the potential for escalation in the region.
Speaking to reporters, Guterres emphasised the gravity of the situation, stating, “There is a serious risk of a dramatic escalation in Lebanon, and everything must be done to avoid that escalation.” His words now seem eerily prescient in light of the most recent blasts.
The UN chief also offered insight into the possible strategy behind the attacks, suggesting, “Obviously the logic of making all these devices explode is to do it as a pre-emptive strike before a major military operation.”
