Region on the Edge After Devices Used by Civilian Institutions and Hezbollah Detonate / Resistance Vows Retaliation: The Enemy Will Be Punished Where It Anticipates and Where It Does Not

September 18, 2024

Albinaa’ Newspaper Headlines

The political editor wrote

In mere seconds, thousands of devices exploded in the hands, homes, and workplaces of their users. The blasts claimed the lives of nine people, including the son of MP Ali Ammar, a young child, and several mujahideen mourned by Hezbollah. Another 2,750 were injured, with nearly 200 in critical condition, according to Health Minister Firas al-Abiad. While some reports pointed to a cyberattack, another theory surfaced, suggesting a preemptive intelligence operation, where explosive chips were implanted in device batteries or fine explosive particles were hidden within pagers before reaching their users.
Hezbollah’s statement quickly followed: “After thoroughly reviewing the facts and available information on this afternoon’s (meaning yesterday’s) sinful assault, we hold the Israeli enemy fully accountable for this criminal assault which included targeting civilians, and caused the death of several people and wounded many more”.
Reaffirming their commitment to supporting Gaza, Hezbollah added: “Our martyrs and wounded are the testament to our jihad and sacrifices on the path to Jerusalem, standing in solidarity with our honourable people in Gaza and the West Bank. The unwavering support on the battlefield will continue to be offered, and our steadfast stance in defence of the courageous Palestinian resistance will remain a source of pride in this life and the next”.
The statement ended with a clear warning: “This treacherous and criminal enemy will undoubtedly face just retribution for this vile act, both where it anticipates and where it does not. God is witness to our pledge”.
Observers remarked that the region stands on the brink of an eruption and its containment cannot be guaranteed. The magnitude of this terrorist attack makes it impossible for the resistance to remain silent, requiring a proportionate response. Likewise, the occupation is unlikely to let such retaliation pass without escalating further, pushing the region closer to a broader conflict. The usual restraints that prevent a descent into war appear to be weakening, especially with the U.S. adopting a tepid stance, refusing to condemn the occupying entity’s brutal terrorist crime. This reluctance has raised questions, reminiscent of the assassination of Commander Fouad Shukr, about whether the U.S. was complicit in the operation, rather than simply turning a blind eye.