8 Martyrs, 2,750 injured in Lebanon Pager explosions: Health Ministry
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The Lebanese Health Minister Firass Abiad denied rumors circulating regarding the American University of Beirut asking its employees to get rid of their pagers roughly a week ago.
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Lebanon's Health Minister Firass Abiad speaks during a press conference in Beirut on October 7, 2022. (AP)
Lebanese Health Minister Firass Abiad has confirmed that nine martyrs have been killed so far as a result of the explosion of pagers on Tuesday, noting that 2,750 people were injured, including about 200 in critical condition, in 100 hospitals.
An Israeli cyber attack caused the detonation of hundreds of pagers, resulting in mass casualties across several regions in Lebanon, including Beirut, Bekaa, and the south.
Abiad detailed in a press conference that the majority of injuries, in the initial tally he announced, were in the face, eyes, hand, or abdomen.
هناك 8 شهداء ونحو 2750 جريحاً بينها نحو 200 حالة حرجة في 100 مستشفى نتيجة انفجار أجهزة "البيجير".
— الميادين لبنان (@mayadeenlebanon) September 17, 2024
وزير الصحة في حكومة تصريف الأعمال فراس الأبيض #لبنان #الميادين_لبنان pic.twitter.com/rW5M2kJOMi
The minister explained how communication was coordinated between all those concerned to allow for the massive influx of injured people to be taken care of, emphasizing the importance of cooperation with the Hospitals Syndicate.
Abiad denied rumors circulating regarding the American University of Beirut asking its employees to get rid of their pagers roughly a week ago.
The Lebanese Minister of Information Ziad Makary spoke at the conference, stressing that the government condemns the Israeli attack, adding that the Israeli attacks are the responsibility of the international community.
The Lebanese Ministry of Health asked hospitals to remain on high alert and raise their preparation level while the Lebanese security forces asked citizens to clear the roads to facilitate the treatment of the injured and their transfer to hospitals
The ministry issued an appeal to coordinate with the Red Cross to donate blood in anticipation of the need that may arise for blood units for the wounded, calling on citizens, who gather in the streets, to make room for ambulances to move quickly and transport the wounded.
For its part, the Lebanese Red Cross announced the preparation of 50 additional ambulances and 300 emergency medical technicians to help evacuate the injured.
In its first statement, Hezbollah revealed that a security and technical investigation was launched to uncover the causes and reasons behind the simultaneous explosions, noting that health and medical agencies are working to treat those injured across several hospitals.
The Lebanese Resistance bestowed mercy for the souls of the little girl and two Hezbollah members who were martyred in the attacks and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
The Resistance further called on citizens to be cautious and refrain from spreading rumors and misinformation circulated by certain sides as a tool for psychological warfare, which only serves and aids the Israeli occupation, as it continues to threaten with escalations on the northern front.
The Islamic Resistance in Lebanon affirmed its readiness, across all levels and units, to defend Lebanon and its resilient people.
