Panic, chaos as home security, solar energy systems explode in Lebanon after pagers, walkie-talkies

Lebanon's official news agency on Wednesday (Sep 18)reported that home solar energy systems have exploded in several areas of Beirut.

This surge in explosions follows a series of deadly blasts involving pagers and walkie-talkiesused by militant group Hezbollah.

Soon after the explosions, Israel's defence minister declared a "new phase" of the war as its army turned its attention to the northern front with Lebanon.

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Hashem Safieddine, head of Hezbollah’s Executive Council, has vowed to avenge the attacks, saying there will be a bloody response, Times of Israel reported.

Iran has also condemned the fresh wave of violence in Lebanon.

"The terrorism of the Zionist regime causes aversion and disgust. Iran strongly condemns yesterday's criminal explosion of communication devices and today's criminal explosion of walkie-talkies, which resulted in the death and injury of hundreds of Lebanese civilians," Reuters quoted government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani as saying.

Watch:Lebanon Pager Blasts: Hezbollah vows to punish Israel after blasts

Israeli Minister of Defence of Israel Yoav Gallant on Wednesday praised Israel's security forces without mentioning explosions in Lebanon.

He said, "The centre of gravity is shifting to the north by diverting resources and forces. We are at the start of a new phase in the war."

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(With inputs from agencies)