Thousands have been injured in Lebanon after pagers used by the armed group Hezbollah exploded almost simultaneously across the country on Tuesday.
At least nine people were killed and around 2,800 injured, many seriously.
The cause of the attack, which appears to have been highly sophisticated, remains unclear. Hezbollah has accused Israel, but Israeli officials have not commented.
Incident Details
The explosions began around 15:45 local time in Beirut and other regions. Witnesses reported smoke emerging from people’s pockets, followed by small explosions resembling fireworks and gunfire. One CCTV clip showed an explosion in a man’s pocket at a store. The blasts continued for about an hour, leading to chaos as many rushed to hospitals.
How the Pagers Exploded
Analysts expressed shock at the scale of the attack, noting Hezbollah’s strict security protocols. Some speculate that a hack may have caused the pager batteries to overheat, but many experts deem this unlikely. Instead, a supply chain attack—where pagers were tampered with during production or transport—seems more plausible. A former British Army munitions expert suggested the devices could have been rigged with military-grade explosives concealed within fake electronic components, triggered by an alphanumeric message.
Victims
Among the deceased are the sons of two Hezbollah MPs and a member’s daughter. Injured individuals include Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon, although reports indicate his injuries were minor. Lebanese Public Health Minister Firass Abiad noted that most injuries involved damage to the face and hands, with some amputations. Many victims were civilians, complicating identification.
Outside Lebanon, 14 people were also injured in Syria due to similar explosions.
Accountability
No one has claimed responsibility for the attacks, though Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Hezbollah have pointed fingers at Israel. Mikati described the explosions as a serious violation of Lebanese sovereignty. Hezbollah warned that Israel would face consequences for what they termed “criminal aggression.”
Hezbollah’s Communication Methods
Hezbollah relies on pagers to avoid being tracked by Israel, as mobile phones are seen as too vulnerable. An operative noted that the pagers used in this incident were a new brand for the group. Experts believe the attack could lead to an internal investigation within Hezbollah, raising questions about their security protocols.
Future Implications
Hezbollah is allied with Iran and has engaged in ongoing hostilities with Israel, often exchanging fire across the border. The blasts occurred shortly after Israel’s security cabinet stated its intention to secure the return of residents to northern areas, heightening concerns about potential escalations in the conflict. While both sides have previously sought to contain tensions, there are fears that this incident could trigger a more significant confrontation.
