Japanese walkie-talkie maker says it is investigating Lebanon blasts

Japanese company Icom said on Thursday it was launching an investigation after media reported an explosion of radio equipment bearing its logo in Lebanon.

“This morning, media outlets around the world reported an explosion of Icom-branded radio equipment in Lebanon,” the company said in a statement.

“We are currently investigating the facts surrounding this matter. We will post updated information as it becomes available on our website,” it added.

The second wave of explosive device explosions in several days on Wednesday in Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon killed 20 people and wounded more than 450, officials said.

A source close to Hezbollah said walkie-talkies used by members of the group exploded in the Hezbollah stronghold of Beirut, while state media reported similar explosions in south and east Lebanon.

The incident came a day after hundreds of Hezbollah pagers exploded simultaneously, killing 12 people, including two children, and wounding some 2,800 across Lebanon in an unprecedented attack blamed on Israel.

There was no comment from Israel. The White House warned all sides against “any type of escalation.”