Handheld Devices as weapons
In recent days, Lebanon has been struck by a wave of explosions involving handheld electronics such as pagers, iPhones, and walkie-talkies. These devices, rigged with explosives, targeted Hezbollah members and civilians, causing widespread devastation. The attacks occurred across Beirut, southern Lebanon, and even parts of Syria. At least 20 people have been killed and thousands injured, including children. The detonations, suspected to be carried out by Israeli intelligence, have escalated tensions between Hezbollah and Israel. The technology used involved remote detonation, potentially through signal activation, pointing to a sophisticated operation.
The first wave of explosions primarily affected pagers, which had replaced mobile phones among Hezbollah members due to concerns over tracking. However, the second wave included smartphones and walkie-talkies, further highlighting the scale of the threat. Some speculate that the devices were rigged within the supply chain, indicating a premeditated attack on Hezbollah's communication network.
The casualties have overwhelmed Lebanon's healthcare system, with hospitals struggling to treat the wounded. Fires broke out in homes and shops due to exploding electronics, exacerbating the chaos. Reports also surfaced of Hezbollah preventing journalists from documenting the aftermath, fueling further speculation about the extent of the attack's damage.
The attacks have had significant geopolitical implications. Hezbollah has blamed Israel, and though no official confirmation has been made, the method of attack aligns with past Israeli counter-terrorism operations. As the situation unfolds, the potential for further escalation looms, drawing international attention to Lebanon's fragile security environment oai_citation:4,Lebanon attack: Why is Hezbollah using pagers and how could they have been made to explode? | Euronews oai_citation:3,2024 Lebanon pager explosions - Wikipedia oai_citation:2,Second Wave Of Remote Detonations Kills At Least 20 People In Lebanon oai_citation:1,‘Pagers Rigged with Explosives’: Marine Corps Colonel Explains Hardware Weaponization - Techopedia.