Middle East
A batch of medical supplies from Iraq that was sent to Lebanon on September 18, 2024. Photo: INA
EBRIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraq has sent medical assistance to Lebanon, where thousands of people have been injured by exploding pagers in an unprecedented security incident.
Iraq dispatched “40 tons of special medical supplies provided by the Popular Mobilization Authority to Lebanon,” said Tahseen al-Khafaji, head of Iraq's security media cell.
He added that the shipment was sent early on Thursday, along with a medical team. Some of the injured will be brought to Iraq for treatment.
The aid, which was ordered by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani, is to “alleviate the suffering of the innocent civilian victims,” according to a statement from Sudani’s office on Tuesday.
Thousands of people in southern Lebanon were injured by exploding pagers on Tuesday. More explosions of handheld radios occurred on Wednesday, according to preliminary reports.
Lebanon’s health minister said there were around 3,000 injuries and 12 fatalities on Tuesday.
Hezbollah members were reportedly among the injured. Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon was also injured, but his wounds are not serious, according to Iranian state media.
Iraq’s supplies were sent in two batches and Saif Badr, spokesperson for Iraq’s health ministry, confirmed that the first was received at Beirut airport.
Lebanon’s health minister, Firas al-Abyadh, expressed gratitude at a press conference on Wednesday, thanking “the Iraqi state for extending a helping hand to Lebanon at all times.” He said that Iraq also sent 20 doctors and health workers.
Parts of Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) are closely linked to Iran and its network throughout the Middle East. Factions like the PMF’s Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada are known for their close ties to Lebanese Hezbollah.
The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel has intensified since October 7, when Palestinian Hamas militants launched a large-scale incursion into southern Israel, killing more than 1,170 people, according to Israeli figures. Israel responded with a massive offensive on Gaza, killing over 40,000 people as of mid-August, according to the Palestinian health ministry.
Israel has also stepped up its strikes in Lebanon and parts of Syria over the past year, targeting Hezbollah and Iranian personnel.
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