Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan extended his condolences to Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati on Tuesday following the tragic loss of life caused by a series of pager device explosions across Lebanon.

According to diplomatic sources, Fidan and Mikati discussed the aftermath of the explosions, which have claimed at least nine lives, including that of a child. Lebanese Health Minister Firas Al-Abiad reported that around 2,750 people were injured, with 200 in critical condition.

The explosions occurred in multiple locations and involved pager devices, widely used for communication by civilians and healthcare workers. Hezbollah confirmed the deaths of two of its members and accused Israel of responsibility for the incident, vowing retaliation.

The explosions come amidst escalating tensions in the region, as cross-border attacks between Hezbollah and Israel continue, following an Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip that has resulted in the deaths of more than 41,200 people, primarily women and children, since October 7 last year. (ILKHA)