US Denies Involvement in Pager Explosions in Lebanon and Syria, Killing Nine

US military officials have denied any involvement in the series of pager explosions that have rocked Lebanon and Syria, killing at least nine people and injuring thousands. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, has left more than 2,750 injured, with at least 200 in critical condition.

During a briefing on Tuesday, Pentagon press secretary Air Force Major General Pat Ryder stated that the US had no role in the explosions. “I don’t have any details to provide on the reports of the pager blast,” Ryder said. “I can tell you, to my knowledge, there’s no US involvement in this at all.” He added that the situation is being closely monitored.

According to Lebanese government officials and Hezbollah, hundreds of handheld pagers exploded simultaneously across Lebanon and parts of Syria. The explosions caused significant injuries, particularly to the faces and hands of those carrying the devices. Some victims have required amputations, while others suffered life-threatening injuries. Photos circulating on social media depict individuals lying on the pavement with severe injuries.

Lebanon’s Health Minister Firass Abiad confirmed that hospitals across the country have been overwhelmed, especially in regions where Hezbollah maintains a strong presence, such as the southern suburbs of Beirut and the eastern Bekaa Valley. Local hospitals have urgently called for blood donations as medical facilities struggle to cope with the influx of casualties.

Hezbollah officials have accused Israel of orchestrating the explosions as part of a “security operation.” They claim that the pagers, which contained lithium batteries, were deliberately targeted. The Israeli military has not commented on the allegations. It is believed that the devices were outdated communication tools, typically used to send brief messages to their holders.

This incident occurs against the backdrop of ongoing tensions between Hezbollah and Israel, which have escalated since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Since October 7, Hezbollah and Israeli forces have been engaged in daily clashes along the Israel-Lebanon border, leading to hundreds of deaths and the displacement of tens of thousands on both sides.

Israel has stated that one of its objectives is to halt Hezbollah’s attacks in the north to allow Israeli residents to return to their homes. Meanwhile, Hezbollah has ramped up its strikes against Israel following Hamas’s initial attack, intensifying the already volatile situation.

The situation in Gaza remains dire, with over 41,000 Palestinians reported dead and the vast majority of Gaza’s population displaced.