Concealed Explosives in Pagers
Israel has executed a sophisticated attack against Hezbollah by hiding explosives inside pager batteries smuggled into Lebanon, as revealed by high-ranking Lebanese security officials. This advanced technology was reportedly undetectable, allowing the explosives to remain concealed until detonated.
Casualties and Targeted Devices
On September 17, a series of explosions targeted Hezbollah members using weaponized pagers, resulting in at least 37 fatalities, including children, and nearly 3,000 injuries, primarily among civilians. The attack surprised the militant group, which had opted for analog technology to avoid Israeli surveillance.
Israeli Intelligence Involvement
While Israel has not officially commented on the attacks, sources indicate they were coordinated by the Israeli military and the Mossad intelligence agency. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant acknowledged the operation, highlighting the achievements of Israeli intelligence in the wake of the attacks.
Ongoing Investigations and Accountability
Investigations are currently focusing on the origins and manufacturing of the compromised devices. Lebanese authorities suspect that the pagers, primarily manufactured by the Taiwanese company Gold Apollo, were altered before entering Lebanon, implicating foreign entities in the operation. Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, announced a thorough investigation to hold responsible parties accountable, emphasizing the new dangers posed by weaponized communication devices.