Lebanon under fire: 20 killed, 450 wounded in Walkie-Talkie blasts day after Hezbollah hit by Mossad

At least 20 people were killed and over 450 injured in Lebanon on Wednesday following a series of explosions triggered by detonating walkie-talkies, according to health officials.

This comes just one day after a separate attack involving pager blasts killed at least 12 people across the country.

CNN gathered that Tuesday’s attack, which targeted the militant group Hezbollah, was a coordinated operation carried out by Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad, and the Israeli military.

On Wednesday, Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant hinted at the nation’s involvement, stating that a “new era” in Israel’s war effort had begun, with the focus shifting towards its northern border with Lebanon.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also reaffirmed his commitment to returning residents to their homes near the northern border, which were evacuated due to ongoing hostilities.

Israeli officials had reportedly informed the U.S. of an impending operation in Lebanon but did not provide specific details ahead of Tuesday’s attack, sources said.

In response, Hezbollah vowed to retaliate, and the Lebanese government condemned the operation as “criminal Israeli aggression.”

Tuesday’s blasts killed at least 12 people, including two children, and injured more than 2,800, according to Lebanon’s Health Minister.

On Wednesday, the walkie-talkie explosions in Beirut’s southern suburbs and southern Lebanon left 20 dead and hundreds wounded.

Preliminary reports indicated that between 15 to 20 explosions occurred in each location.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the U.S. was not aware of the attack beforehand and was not involved, urging all parties to take steps toward de-escalation.

Medical facilities in Lebanon have been overwhelmed, performing 460 surgeries, primarily treating injuries to the eyes, faces, and hands, with some victims being transported to Syria and Iran for treatment.

However, most of the injured remain in Lebanon for care.