IRIA News

4 minute read

At least 32 people, including two children, have been killed and thousands more seriously injured after communication devices, including pagers and walkie-talkies, exploded across Lebanon on 18 and 19 September 2024. The explosions, which have rocked Lebanese society, were linked to devices used by the armed group Hezbollah, further heightening tensions in the region.

In the latest blasts at least 20 people were killed, and over 450 were injured when walkie-talkies detonated, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. The explosions occurred near a funeral gathering for victims of pager explosions, which claimed at least 12 lives and injured nearly 3,000 people a day earlier. The sudden blasts have created an atmosphere of fear all across the country, with reports of ambulances struggling to reach the injured amidst chaotic scenes.

Witnesses reported seeing smoke emanating from people’s pockets before hearing small explosions, which sounded like fireworks. According to a report, pagers received a message that appeared to be from Hezbollah leadership before detonating. U.S. officials suggest that this message may have triggered the explosions.

The confusion and panic were compounded by a second round of blasts on Wednesday, this time from walkie-talkies reportedly purchased by Hezbollah five months ago. These explosions occurred as mourners gathered for funerals, causing widespread panic among attendees.

Hezbollah has blamed Israel for the attacks. Israeli officials have so far declined to comment, but suspicions are running high. Analysts believe Israel is likely behind the attacks, given its history of using technology to track Hezbollah members.

Device manufacturers deny responsibility

The explosions have raised questions about the devices involved. The walkie-talkies that exploded on Wednesday were identified as Icom IC-V82 models, according to footage from the aftermath. Icom, a Japanese company, stated that production of the model ceased 10 years ago, and it is unclear whether the devices that detonated were genuine Icom products or knock-offs.

The pager explosions were caused by a model known as the Rugged Pager AR-924. The Taiwanese manufacturer of the pager, Gold Apollo, has denied involvement. The company’s founder, Hsu Ching-Kuang, mentioned that he had signed an agreement with BAC, a Hungarian-based company, to manufacture the devices under his company’s name. He noted irregularities in money transfers from BAC but did not elaborate.

BAC’s CEO, Cristiana Barsony-Arcidiacono, distanced her company from the explosions, saying, “I don’t make the pagers. I am just the intermediate. I think you got it wrong.”

Hezbollah’s use of low-tech devices

Hezbollah has relied on pagers as a low-tech method of communication to avoid being tracked by Israeli intelligence. In February, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah directed his fighters to abandon mobile phones due to their vulnerability, advising them to destroy or securely store the devices.

With the group now under immense pressure, the explosions have further strained Hezbollah’s operations. Two of the individuals killed in Tuesday’s attack were reportedly the sons of Hezbollah MPs, and the daughter of another Hezbollah member was also among the dead. Even Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani, suffered minor injuries in the blasts.

Escalation of conflict

The attacks have escalated fears of an intensifying conflict between Hezbollah and Israel. Hezbollah has been engaged in a low-level war with Israel for months, with both sides exchanging rocket and missile fire along the Israeli-Lebanese border. On Wednesday, Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that the country was “opening a new phase in the war,” signaling a shift in focus toward the north.

Observers worry that the blasts, which many see as a major escalation, could lead to full-scale warfare between Hezbollah and Israel. So far, both sides have sought to limit hostilities, but the recent events may destabilize the fragile balance that has prevented an all-out conflict.

For now, Lebanon remains on edge, as investigations continue into how such a devastating and sophisticated attack could have been carried out using everyday communication devices.