Last month, thousands of electronic devices used by Hezbollah fighters detonated across Lebanon, resulting in dozens of casualties and thousands of injuries. These attacks targeted pagers and walkie-talkies used by the Iran-backed militant group.
A recent report by The Washington Post revealed that the pagers were equipped with a two-step de-encryption procedure that made them even more dangerous. This feature meant that users would likely be holding the device with both hands when it exploded, causing severe injuries.
While Israel has not officially confirmed its involvement in the attacks, it is widely believed that its Mossad intelligence service was behind them. Mossad was reportedly able to trigger the explosions remotely and had added a special procedure for users to read encrypted messages that could also detonate the devices.
According to the Post, up to 3,000 members of Hezbollah were injured or killed in the explosions. The group had recently switched from using cellphones to pagers in an attempt to evade Israeli intelligence capabilities.
In response to the attacks, Emirates airline has banned passengers from carrying pagers and walkie-talkies on flights to, from, or via Dubai. The airline has also canceled flights to and from Beirut until after October 15.
Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have been escalating since last October, with both sides exchanging strikes. Israel recently announced the killing of Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, in an airstrike on Beirut. This event has raised concerns about a wider conflict in the region.
Overall, the situation in Lebanon remains tense, with the recent attacks adding to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The full extent of the impact of these explosions on the region is yet to be seen.