How Lebanon’s pagers and walkie-talkies became deadly weapons
Sep 20, 2024
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William Christou, a reporter covering the tragic recent attacks in Lebanon, delves into the harrowing events involving exploding electronic devices. He discusses the devastating impact on families and the emotional turmoil following the tragedies. Christou highlights how outdated technology like pagers became deadly weapons and examines the strategic motivations behind these attacks. The dangers faced by medical workers and civilians are brought to light, revealing the chilling connection between communication technology and escalating violence.
The simultaneous explosions of pagers and walkie-talkies in Lebanon marked a significant escalation in conflict, resulting in widespread chaos and casualties.
Hezbollah's reliance on pagers for communication has now become a critical vulnerability, complicating its operational security after the devastating attacks.
Deep dives
Unprecedented Attacks in Lebanon
A series of shocking attacks swept through Lebanon, where thousands of pagers and walkie-talkies, primarily used by Hezbollah, exploded simultaneously. The explosions resulted in 37 fatalities and thousands of injuries, marking a significant and unprecedented escalation in conflict. Witnesses reported confusion and terror as individuals going about their daily lives were caught in the blasts, raising questions about safety in everyday environments. The attacks have been attributed to Israel, as tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have been escalating for nearly a year, creating a climate of fear and uncertainty in Lebanon.
Impact on Civilians and Emergency Services
The aftermath of the explosions saw a horrific scene at hospitals, where families anxiously awaited news about their loved ones. Medical workers were overwhelmed as ambulances continued to pour in, indicating the scale of the devastation inflicted by the attacks. Civilians, including children and medical professionals, were not only affected but also directly targeted, blurring the lines of who was involved in the conflict. There was a palpable sense of anger and paranoia among residents, as the indiscriminate nature of the explosions left many questioning their safety, even in familiar surroundings.
Hezbollah's Communication Crisis
Hezbollah's reliance on pagers as a means of communication has now become a critical vulnerability after the devastating attacks. Originally intended to evade Israeli surveillance, these devices have now proven to be susceptible to targeted sabotage, signalling a significant challenge for the militia's operational security. The group faces a major blow not just in terms of casualties, including serious injuries among its fighters, but also in morale and command capabilities. As Hezbollah grapples with the aftermath of this unprecedented assault, the future of its communication networks and strategic planning remains uncertain.
Dozens of people were killed on Tuesday when electronic pagers blew up. The next day walkie-talkies exploded. What was the goal of the attacks? William Christou reports
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