Israel’s Covert Explosive Attack on Hezbollah via Rigged Pagers: Casualties and Global Response

September 21, 2024

Large explosion with fireball and smoke cloud.

Israel’s innovative attack on Hezbollah through rigged pagers has left the group significantly weakened and the world watching closely.

At a Glance

The operation involved explosives hidden in pagers ordered by Hezbollah from Taiwan.
At least 11 people died and over 2,700 were injured, according to Lebanon’s health minister.
Hezbollah and the Lebanese government have blamed Israel for the attack.
Lebanon’s hospitals are overwhelmed, and the WHO has declared an emergency.

The Attack: Precision and Impact

Israel conducted a calculated operation against Hezbollah by embedding explosives in pagers imported into Lebanon. Hezbollah ordered the pagers from Gold Apollo in Taiwan. Explosive material, about one to two ounces, was implanted next to the battery in each pager.

The explosives were triggered by a remotely activated switch, catching Hezbollah members off guard. The explosions happened around 3:30 p.m. local time, causing panic and injuries in public places, particularly in areas with a strong Hezbollah presence.

The blast resulted in at least 11 casualties and over 2,700 injuries, many of which are severe. Among the injured was Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon, who lost an eye in the incident. The explosive devices reportedly beeped for several seconds before detonating, adding confusion and fear to the chaos.

"Israel" chose to detonate the rigged pager devices in #Lebanon and #Syria on Tuesday, fearing that Hez-bo-llah may have uncovered its covert plan, Axios reported citing three US officials.

"It was a use it or lose it moment," one US official said, explaining the rationale that… pic.twitter.com/TXPVouAAYx

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) September 18, 2024

Overwhelming Response

Lebanon’s hospitals are stretched to their limits. With the massive influx of patients, medical facilities in and around Beirut are struggling to keep up. Patients are being relocated beyond the capital for adequate treatment, and the World Health Organization has declared a state of emergency in Lebanon to address the critical medical needs.

“Even the most meticulously planned operations have significant human costs,” said a health official. The U.N. special coordinator for Lebanon condemned the attack, warning that such actions could escalate regional tensions.

Hezbollah says Israel was behind the pager blasts in Lebanon https://t.co/EO06RPKM9W

— Bloomberg Markets (@markets) September 18, 2024

Far-Reaching Consequences

This attack has severely disrupted Hezbollah’s communication network. The group had switched to pagers after their leader warned against using cell phones due to tracking risks. The incident not only illustrates Israel’s operational capabilities but also highlights the vulnerabilities within Hezbollah’s network.

The implications extend beyond Lebanon. Israel’s ability to infiltrate Hezbollah’s orders from abroad and employ advanced technology underlines the nation’s strategic military prowess. The attack signifies an official war goal for Israel: to curb Hezbollah’s threats from the north.

Furthermore, the international community remains on high alert, monitoring the situation closely. The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has already resulted in significant casualties and displacement, and this latest operation is likely to exacerbate existing tensions in an already volatile region.