Twenty people have died and over 450 others were injured after walkie-talkies used by Lebanese political party Hezbollah exploded across Lebanon on 18 September. According to Reuters, the incident occurred in the south of Lebanon and in the suburbs of its capital, Beirut. The second wave of explosions came one day after pagers used by Hezbollah fighters exploded simultaneously on 17 September, killing 12 and wounding almost 3,000 others.
Background
The explosions have sent shockwaves through Lebanon, a country already grappling with political and economic instability. Hezbollah, a militant group backed by Iran, has been using these communication devices to avoid location-tracking by Israel. The incidents have raised serious questions about the safety and security of such devices, as well as the potential involvement of foreign entities in these attacks.
Pager explosions killed twelve, injured around 3,000 people
Thousands of pagers reportedly exploded at the same time on 17 September, according to Al Jazeera. The pagers, used by Hezbollah operatives, detonated in multiple locations within Lebanon, killing twelve and injuring 2,800 people, including civilians. Hezbollah and the Lebanese government have accused Israel and its spy agency Mossad of causing the explosions. Sources told Reuters that Israel had planted explosive material in 5,000 pagers initially believed to be made in Taiwan. The pagers, identified as AP924 models, could wirelessly receive and display text messages but could not be used to make calls.
Taiwanese company denies involvement
Taiwanese electronics manufacturer Gold Apollo Co. has denied producing the pagers in a statement on 18 September, according to the Taipei Times. Founder Hsu Ching Kuang stated that the product was not theirs and that “it only had our brand on it.” It was revealed that the company had authorised a Hungary-based company, BAC Consulting KFT, to use Gold Apollo’s trademark on products it manufactured and sold. Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs added that Gold Apollo had only exported its products to Europe and North America in recent years. The ministry also noted that the pagers produced in Taiwan could only receive signals and use AA batteries, and were not capable of causing deadly explosions. The country’s national security division is expected to launch an investigation into the case.
Exploded walkie-talkies reportedly made in Japan
According to Reuters, the mass explosions occurred near a Hezbollah-organised funeral for those who died on 17 September due to the pager explosions. The walkie-talkies were brought into Lebanon in April 2024, around the same time the pagers were bought. The inside panels of the devices were reportedly labelled “ICOM” and “made in Japan.” Reuters reported that the model in question has been phased out since 2014, citing the company. Some Hezbollah members were seen rushing to remove the batteries from the walkie-talkies that had not yet exploded. Volker Turk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, has called for the explosions to be investigated. BBC quoted UN Secretary-General António Guterres warning of the risk of escalation and calling on all parties to exercise restraint.
International response and future implications
The international community has expressed concern over the escalating violence in Lebanon. The United Nations has called for a thorough investigation into the incidents, and there are growing fears that these attacks could lead to further instability in the region. The Lebanese government is under pressure to ensure the safety of its citizens and to prevent future attacks. The involvement of foreign entities, such as Israel and potentially other countries, adds a complex layer to the situation, making it imperative for international cooperation in the investigation. The outcome of these investigations could have significant implications for Hezbollah’s operations and Lebanon’s political landscape.
