In a shocking and unexpected attack, hundreds of pagers exploded almost at the same time across Lebanon on Tuesday, killing at least nine people and injuring thousands. This well-planned attack was aimed at Hezbollah, a powerful group backed by Iran, and many believe that Israel was behind the operation. The explosions have caused chaos in the region, raising fears of more violence.
Almost 3,000 people reported to be injured in Lebanon after an Israeli cyber attack that caused Pager communication devices used by Hezbollah to explode in their pockets and hands. pic.twitter.com/BBELWZ7XIW
— muslim daily (@muslimdaily_) September 17, 2024
Iran‘s ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani, was also hurt in the explosions, which has led to concerns about relations between Iran and Lebanon. The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health reported that more than 2,750 people were injured in the blasts, many with life-threatening injuries.
The Response to the Attack
Hezbollah, a group that has had a long conflict with Israel, was quick to promise revenge. They called the attack a “cowardly act” and said they would retaliate soon. For many years, Hezbollah has used pagers to communicate, believing it was a safer way to talk without being spied on. However, this attack has exposed a serious weakness in their communication system.
The Lebanese government immediately condemned the attack and called for a full investigation. They also warned everyone in the country who owns a pager to get rid of it immediately, fearing more explosions could happen. Hospitals have been overwhelmed with the injured, and medical teams are working non-stop to care for everyone.
With Hezbollah angry and ready to retaliate, and Israel prepared to defend itself, the situation is extremely tense, and there is a real fear that this could turn into a bigger and more dangerous conflict.
What is Pager?
Pagers, also known as beepers, are small devices used to send and receive messages. While pagers have mostly become outdated with the rise of mobile phones, they were once very popular in industries like healthcare. They were widely used because they allowed doctors and emergency workers to stay reachable at all times.
In the case of Hezbollah, pagers were used for a different reason: they were thought to be safer and less likely to be intercepted by Israeli intelligence. Because pagers don’t work like smartphones, Hezbollah believed they could use them without being tracked. However, the explosions show that even this old technology wasn’t safe from modern surveillance techniques used by the state of Israel.
How Do Pagers Work?
A pager works like a small personal radio receiver. When someone sends a message, it’s transmitted through a network of radio towers, and the pager picks up the signal. The message is then displayed on the pager, allowing the person to read it.
In the early days, pagers could only show numbers, so people had to call a phone number to get their message. Later, more advanced pagers were introduced that could display text messages, making it easier to communicate quickly.
Hezbollah chose to use pagers because they believed the technology was simple, effective, and harder for their enemies to spy on. But this attack shows that even pagers once thought to be secure, can be targeted and compromised.
Conclusion
The massive pager explosions in Lebanon and Syria have left the region on edge. With nine people dead, including a child, and thousands injured, the cost is enormous. Hezbollah’s vow to retaliate has only added to the tension, making the future uncertain.
This incident highlights the dangerous and unpredictable nature of the ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel. The international community is calling for peace and a full investigation, but for now, the region is bracing for what could be a long and bloody escalation.
