US Military Officials Deny Involvement in Pager Explosions in Lebanon and Syria
In a shocking turn of events, US military officials have denied any involvement in the recent pager explosions in Lebanon and Syria that have left at least nine people dead and thousands wounded. Air Force Major General Pat Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary, stated in a Tuesday briefing that to his knowledge, there is no US involvement in the tragic incidents.
Monitoring the Situation
Despite the denial, Ryder mentioned that they are closely monitoring the situation and reviewing any new developments that may arise.
Deadly Explosions Rock Lebanon and Syria
On Tuesday, hundreds of handheld pagers exploded almost simultaneously across Lebanon and parts of Syria, causing chaos and devastation. The explosions resulted in the deaths of at least nine individuals, with over 2,750 people injured. Lebanon’s Health Minister Firass Abiad reported that around 200 of the injured are in critical condition, while others suffered various injuries, including the need for amputations.
Hezbollah Official Points Finger at Israel
A Hezbollah official attributed the explosions to an alleged Israeli “security operation” targeting the pagers carried by members of the group. The Israeli military has refrained from commenting on these accusations.
Heightened Tensions in the Region
The incidents come at a time of increased tensions between Lebanon and Israel, with Hezbollah and Israeli forces engaging in frequent clashes. The ongoing conflict has resulted in numerous casualties and forced thousands to evacuate their homes on both sides of the border.
Impact on Gaza
The war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has also taken a toll, with thousands of Palestinians losing their lives and many more displaced. The destruction and devastation in Gaza have left the population reeling from the aftermath of the conflict.