The remotely controlled attack that took place in several cities in Lebanon on the afternoons of Tuesday, September 17, and Wednesday, September 18, caught everyone by surprise and further aggravated the already complex and tense situation within the Country.
The explosions of various communication devices and systems connected to solar panels or fingerprint machines caused hundreds of injuries and several deaths, including among civilians. The attack, in fact, occurred in everyday locations, on the streets, in markets, in offices, or in cars. Francesca Lazzari, AVSI’s Country Representative in Lebanon, described the current situation and the emotions felt in these hours in Beirut during an interview with Radio Popolare.
There is a constant flow of ambulances and heavy traffic on the streets. The authorities have requested people to avoid moving around to allow emergency vehicles to pass. There is a level of apprehension much higher than what has been seen in the past months. What happened over the past two days is something completely new for this Country.
Francesca Lazzari, AVSI's Country Representative in Lebanon
Fear persists
Meanwhile, Lebanese hospitals have begun searching for blood supplies to treat the large number of injured people who have arrived in recent days. Additionally, among the population, there is still the fear that any technological device could turn into a dangerous explosive. Since October 7, 2023, the situation in Lebanon has been very complex, but never as uncertain as now, with many unanswered questions about the Country’s future.
A psychological attack
Beyond the injured and civilian casualties caused by this attack, it was also a psychological assault on the population that has generated tension both inside and outside Lebanon. People are wondering if this is a sign of something even more significant that could happen soon. No one knows.
Francesca Lazzari, AVSI's Country Representative in Lebanon
AVSI in Lebanon
Some staff members and beneficiaries of the projects continue to live in their homes in the south, where the conflict is most concentrated. While, since October 2023, more than 100,000 people have left their homes for safety reasons and sought refuge in northern areas. Despite the difficulties, AVSI continues to operate in Lebanon to provide support to families and to deliver essential goods and educational and psychosocial assistance.