Beirut: At least eight people have been killed and nearly 3,000 injured in a series of deadly pager explosions across Lebanon. The devices, used by Hezbollah members including fighters and medics, detonated simultaneously in multiple locations. Here’s what we know so far.
When and Where Did the Blasts Occur?
The explosions began around 3:30 p.m. local time, targeting Hezbollah strongholds in southern Lebanon, the southern suburbs of Beirut (Dahiyeh), and the eastern Bekaa Valley. The detonations continued for approximately an hour, with residents in Dahiyeh reporting ongoing explosions until 4:30 p.m. Security sources and footage reviewed by Reuters indicate that some blasts occurred after the pagers had rung, prompting individuals to check the screens.
How Severe Were the Explosions?
The blasts were relatively contained, as shown in footage reviewed by Reuters. CCTV clips from supermarkets indicate that the explosions primarily injured those directly in contact with the pagers. Hospital footage and social media posts depict injuries ranging from facial wounds to missing fingers and severe hip injuries where the pagers were likely worn. Despite the injuries, there was no significant damage or fires reported.
What Type of Pagers Exploded?
Images of the destroyed pagers suggest they were manufactured by Gold Apollo, a Taiwanese company. Hezbollah has not confirmed the make of the pagers, and the company has not responded to inquiries. Sources familiar with Hezbollah’s operations indicated that the group had recently begun using these pagers to evade Israeli tracking. Three security sources confirmed that the pagers involved were the latest models brought in by Hezbollah.
Also Read | Moldova at Risk if Ukraine Falls, Says German Minister
What Caused the Pagers to Explode?
Hezbollah has launched a “security and scientific investigation” into the cause of the explosions. Diplomatic and security sources speculate that the detonations might have been caused by overheating batteries. However, experts, including Paul Christensen from Newcastle University, expressed skepticism about this theory. Christensen noted that the damage seemed disproportionate to what would be expected from a battery failure alone.
SMEX, a Lebanese digital rights organization, suggested that Israel might have exploited a vulnerability in the pagers, potentially intercepting and tampering with them or implanting explosive devices. Historically, Israeli intelligence has used similar tactics, and hackers have demonstrated the ability to manipulate devices to cause them to overheat and explode.
What Have the Authorities Said?
Lebanon’s foreign ministry has labeled the explosions as an “Israeli cyber attack” but has not detailed the evidence supporting this claim. The information minister described the incident as an assault on Lebanon’s sovereignty. Israel’s military has declined to comment on the situation.
