Israel planted explosives in Taiwanese-made pagers imported into Lebanon and destined for Hezbollah, which exploded on Tuesday, killing several people and injuring thousands across Lebanon. Image: Hussein Malla/AP
(The Post News)- Pagers carried by members of the Iran-backed militant group exploded almost simultaneously, killing several people and injuring thousands across Lebanon on Tuesday.Â
The explosion was the result of a joint operation by the Israeli intelligence agency, Mossad, and the Israeli army. The Israeli military has said it would not comment on the explosion, but Lebanon and Hezbollah have blamed the Israeli army for the attack.
Lebanon’s Health Minister Firass Abiad said at least nine people were killed, including children, in the explosion, which injured about 2,800. He said at least 170 people were in critical condition, but the nature of other injuries was unclear.
According to the Lebanese Internal Security Forces, the wave of explosions affected several areas of Lebanon, especially the southern suburbs of Beirut. The hacked pagers exploded in the cities of Ali al-Nahri and Riyaq in the central Beqaa Valley, a Hezbollah stronghold.
The unprecedented attack risks further escalating tensions in the Middle East, heightened by Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza. The unusual incident also highlights Hezbollah’s vulnerability as its communications network was compromised, with deadly effects, and follows a series of targeted assassinations of its commanders.
Speculation is growing about how a simple wireless communication device could have been exploited. The New York Times reported Tuesday that Israel had hidden explosives in a shipment of pagers bound for Hezbollah that it had ordered from Taiwanese manufacturer Gold Apollo. The pagers were fitted with switches that allowed them to be activated remotely.
Gold Apollo’s founder, Hsu Ching-kuang, told reporters on Wednesday that the pagers used in the attack were manufactured by a European distributor. He said his company had signed a deal with the retailer to use the Gold Apollo brand.
Hezbollah vowed Israel will undoubtedly receive just punishment for this sinful attack, both expected and unexpected.
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