A series of pager explosions rocked Lebanon, resulting in a significant setback for Hezbollah. Eleven people lost their lives, and over 2,700 were injured in this alarming incident that also impacted Syria. This event coincided with Israel’s intensified focus on combating Hezbollah following intense airstrikes and ground operations in Gaza. The deadly blasts began around 3:30 PM local time on Tuesday, lasting for approximately an hour, and have further heightened tensions in the region.
The explosions raise questions about the use of pagers and their vulnerability in this modern conflict. Pagers, unlike smartphones, operate on radio waves, making them less susceptible to hacking. This reliance on physical hardware and radio communication makes them attractive to organizations like Hezbollah, where mobility and security are paramount. However, the recent incident demonstrated that even these seemingly secure devices can be exploited.
Reports from The New York Times and Reuters revealed that Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad, had tampered with the pagers ordered by Hezbollah from Taiwanese manufacturer Gold Apollo. They planted small amounts of RDX (hexogen) explosives in approximately 5,000 pagers before they reached Lebanon. The explosive devices were programmed to beep for a few seconds before detonating, and the explosives, reportedly as little as 3 grams, were strategically placed near the battery in each pager. Mossad also incorporated a remote-trigger switch, allowing for controlled detonation of the explosives.
The high-explosive RDX, also known as cyclonite or hexogen, is a powerful white powder commonly used in military applications. Its stability and effectiveness make it a popular choice for demolition and munitions, as it is more energetic than traditional explosives like TNT.
At 3:30 PM in Lebanon, the pagers received a message seemingly originating from Hezbollah’s leadership, but this message actually triggered the explosives. Speculation suggests that Mossad may have exploited the pagers’ radio network, sending a signal that activated the modified devices. The modified pagers contained a remote-trigger mechanism activated by a seemingly harmless message. These devices were programmed to emit three beeps before exploding.
The potential for lithium batteries to overheat and cause thermal runaway, leading to an explosion, has been cited as a possible explanation for the explosions. However, triggering this reaction in multiple unconnected devices is a complex undertaking.
The pagers involved in the explosions were manufactured by Budapest-based BAC Consulting KFT, according to a statement from Taiwanese company Gold Apollo, whose branding appeared on the devices.
This incident highlights the evolving landscape of warfare, where technology and intelligence play a crucial role. The use of modified pagers as explosive devices demonstrates the potential for exploiting seemingly secure communication systems, raising concerns about the vulnerabilities of modern technology in a world of increasing conflict.
