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War in the Middle East: After the explosion of pagers and walkie-talkies, the Lebanese fear that their phones will be targeted
War in the Middle East: After the explosion of pagers and walkie-talkies, the Lebanese fear that their phones will be targeted
(France 2)
Hezbollah has acknowledged having suffered “an unprecedented blow” and has promised Israel “a terrible punishment,” according to its leader Hassan Nasrallah. After the explosions that left 37 dead and 3,200 injured, panic is raging among the Lebanese population.
The apparent tranquility of the streets of Beirut barely conceals the anxiety of the Lebanese, whether they are Hezbollah sympathizers or not. After the explosion of pagers on Tuesday, September 17 and walkie-talkies the next day, some fear that smartphones are targets. “We don’t know if the batteries explode or not. Someone needs to explain to us.”a woman asks alarmedly.
The psychosis is such that the Lebanese go to their phone seller to find out who the manufacturer is and whether the device presents a risk. The tension spares no area. In a village in the south, the army blew up an electronic device considered suspicious. In total, the attacks of the last 48 hours have left 37 dead and 3,200 injured. Emergency services are still saturated with mutilated patients.
On Thursday, September 19, Hassan Nasrallah, leader of Hezbollah, acknowledged a “severe blow” and threatens Israel with a response. At the same time, planes fly over the city and break the sound barrier, as a new warning.