US Denies Involvement in Lebanon Explosions, Gathers Information
Washington, DC [US], September 18: The United States has stated that it was not involved and was unaware in advance of the series of pager explosions in Lebanon. US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller addressed the incident during a press briefing on Tuesday.
US Response
Miller emphasized, “We are gathering information on this incident. I can tell you that the US was not involved in it. The US was not aware of this incident in advance. At this point, we’re gathering information.”
Details of the Explosions
Lebanon’s Health Minister confirmed that the explosions resulted in the deaths of at least eight people and injured 2,750 others. The blasts were caused by exploding handheld pagers, according to a report by Al Jazeera. Health Minister Firass Abiad mentioned that 200 people are in critical condition and are receiving treatment in over 150 hospitals.
Hezbollah’s Statement
Hezbollah stated that pagers belonging to its employees exploded, killing two fighters and a girl. The group is investigating the causes of the explosions. A Hezbollah official described the incident as the organization’s “biggest security breach” in nearly a year.
Speculations and Reactions
When asked about Israel’s involvement, Miller said, “I don’t have any assessment one way or another at this point.” He also urged Iran not to take advantage of the situation to increase regional tensions. Social media is filled with videos showing the explosions and the chaos in hospitals.
Israel’s Response
Israel’s Security Cabinet updated its war goals to include the safe return of northern residents displaced by Hezbollah attacks. Israel has been in conflict with Hamas following the October 7 attacks.
Doubts Revealed
US -: The US stands for the United States of America, a country in North America.
Lebanon -: Lebanon is a small country in the Middle East, near the Mediterranean Sea.
Explosions -: Explosions are sudden bursts of energy that cause damage, like a big bang.
US State Department -: The US State Department is a part of the US government that handles relations with other countries.
Matthew Miller -: Matthew Miller is a person who speaks for the US State Department.
Health Minister -: A Health Minister is a government official in charge of health matters in a country.
Hezbollah -: Hezbollah is a group in Lebanon that has its own fighters and is involved in politics and conflicts.
Israel -: Israel is a country in the Middle East, close to Lebanon.
Security Cabinet -: The Security Cabinet is a group of important leaders in Israel who make decisions about safety and defense.
War goals -: War goals are the aims or objectives that a country wants to achieve during a conflict.
Northern residents -: Northern residents are people who live in the northern part of Israel.
Displaced -: Displaced means people who have to leave their homes because of danger or conflict.