John Kirby denies US involvement in attacks on Lebanon

National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby on Wednesday answered a series of questions about possible U.S. involvement in the explosion of hundreds of electronic devices used by Hezbollah members in Lebanon.

“We were not involved in the (Tuesday) or (Wednesday) incidents in any way. And I have nothing further to say,” Kirby said when asked to respond to the attacks.

Kirby’s comments came hours after several explosions were heard in the Lebanese capital, Beirut, and other parts of the country. Hezbollah’s Al Manar television said the explosions were the result of walkie-talkies detonating.

At least nine people were killed and 300 injured in Wednesday’s attack, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry.

The explosion came just a day after pagers used by hundreds of Hezbollah members exploded in Lebanon and parts of Syria, killing at least 12 people – including two children – and injuring thousands.

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Both attacks are widely believed to have been the work of Israel, which has been fighting Hezbollah almost daily since Oct. 8, the day after a deadly Hamas attack on southern Israel sparked the Gaza war.

Since then, hundreds of people have been killed in attacks in Lebanon and dozens in Israel, while tens of thousands on both sides of the border have been displaced. Hezbollah has said its attacks are in support of its ally, Hamas.

Reporters repeatedly pressed Kirby on Wednesday to say whether the United States participated in the back-to-back attacks on Hezbollah members or was informed in advance.

Kirby reiterated that he had “nothing further to share today.”

“We want the war to end. And everything we’ve done since the beginning has been to prevent escalation,” Kirby said. “We still believe there’s a diplomatic path, especially around Lebanon.”

The attacks have raised fears that sporadic fighting between Israel and Hezbollah could escalate into all-out war.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told Israeli soldiers on Wednesday: “We are at the beginning of a new phase of the war — it requires courage, determination and perseverance.”

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Gallant did not mention the explosions but praised the work of the Israeli army and security agencies, saying that “the results are very impressive.”

Hezbollah announced three attacks on parts of northern Israel on Wednesday, at least one of which followed a recent series of explosions in Lebanon.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.