On Tuesday, a series of dramatic explosions involving pagers used by the militant group Hezbollah caused significant casualties across Lebanon. At least nine people were killed, and approximately 2,800 others sustained injuries, many of them severe. The blasts, which occurred almost simultaneously, have prompted widespread confusion and speculation about the cause.
When and Where Did It Happen?
The explosions began at around 15:45 local time (13:45 BST) in Beirut and several other regions of Lebanon. Eyewitnesses reported seeing smoke emanating from individuals’ pockets followed by small explosions resembling fireworks or gunshots. In one incident captured on CCTV, an explosion was seen erupting from a man’s pocket as he stood at a shop counter. The explosions continued for about an hour, leading to scenes of chaos and a surge of injured individuals arriving at hospitals.
How Did the Pagers Explode?
The scale and sophistication of the attack have shocked analysts, given Hezbollah’s reputation for stringent security measures. Some speculate that a hack may have caused the pager batteries to overheat and explode, though this is considered unlikely. The inconsistencies in the explosion footage suggest a more probable cause might be a supply chain attack, where the pagers were tampered with during manufacturing or transit. Such attacks are rare but not impossible, and would require a significant operation to execute. A former British Army munitions expert suggested that military-grade explosives could have been concealed within the pagers, triggered by a signal such as an alphanumeric text message.
What Is Known About the Victims?
Among the deceased were reportedly the sons of two Hezbollah MPs and the daughter of a Hezbollah member. Injured individuals include Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani, who sustained minor injuries according to Iranian media. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was unharmed. Lebanese Public Health Minister Firass Abiad reported that most injuries affected the face and hands, with some requiring amputations. Among the injured were civilians of various ages and even healthcare workers. Additionally, 14 people in neighboring Syria were injured in similar incidents.
Who Is Responsible?
No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks yet. Hezbollah and Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati have blamed Israel, describing the explosions as a severe violation of Lebanese sovereignty and a criminal act. Israeli officials have not commented, but some analysts suggest that the attack could indicate significant Israeli infiltration into Hezbollah’s communications network.
Why Does Hezbollah Use Pagers?
Hezbollah employs pagers as a secure communication method to avoid detection by Israel. Unlike mobile phones, which are vulnerable to tracking and have been used in past targeted attacks, pagers are seen as more secure. However, a new batch of pagers recently acquired by Hezbollah may have been compromised. Emily Harding, a former CIA analyst, suggests that this breach will likely prompt Hezbollah to undertake a thorough internal investigation, potentially diverting their focus from ongoing conflicts.
Will the Hezbollah-Israel Conflict Escalate?
Hezbollah, aligned with Iran, has been engaged in ongoing conflicts with Israel, including frequent rocket and missile exchanges. The explosions come amidst heightened tensions and recent Israeli security measures. Despite ongoing hostilities, both sides have previously avoided a full-scale war. However, the recent attacks and Hezbollah’s threats of retaliation raise concerns about a possible escalation.
