A coordinated attack involving exploding pagers across Lebanon has left at least 12 people dead, including two children, and injured over 2,800.
The attack, which targeted members of the militant group Hezbollah, is believed to be a joint operation by Israel’s Mossad and the Israeli military. However, Israel has refused to comment publicly on the incident.
The explosions occurred on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, when pagers recently purchased by Hezbollah detonated almost simultaneously across Lebanon.
Hospitals across Lebanon were overwhelmed as thousands of wounded poured in, many suffering injuries to the face, hands, and eyes. Lebanese Health Minister Firass Abiad confirmed that 200 people remained in critical condition. He revealed that some of the victims were transferred to Syria for treatment due to the proximity and that others might be sent to Iran.
“The majority of those injured would remain in Lebanon for treatment,” Abiad said.
Abiad added, “Many of the injuries appear to have come when people picked up their pagers to check them,” leading to a surge in surgeries, particularly amputations of the hands.
Hezbollah’s Response
Hezbollah, through its former Lebanese minister Hussein Haj Hassan, vowed retribution against Israel.
Hassan, speaking from the American University Hospital in Beirut on Wednesday, said, “We are steadfast. Despite the sacrifices, wounds, and martyrs, the resistance will continue and will keep on supporting Gaza.” Hezbollah has warned they will respond in “an appropriate time and way.”
The Lebanese government also condemned the attack as “criminal Israeli aggression.” Iran, a long-time supporter of Hezbollah, also condemned the attack, calling it “Israeli terrorism.”
International Reactions
In the wake of the attack, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken distanced the United States from the incident, stating, “We remain very clear about the importance of all parties avoiding any steps that could further escalate the conflict in Gaza.”
Blinken was speaking during a press conference in Cairo, Egypt, alongside Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, who also condemned the attack, warning that escalations could push the Middle East toward “comprehensive regional war.”
Involvement of Taiwanese Firm
The Taiwanese electronics manufacturer Gold Apollo has been scrutinized as its AR-924 model pagers were used in the attack.
The company, however, denied direct involvement, stating that the pagers were manufactured by a Budapest-based distributor, BAC Consulting KFT, and sold under its brand name. “I’ve been going about my own business for 30 years; why am I suddenly roped into this?” said Hsu Ching-Kuang, Gold Apollo’s founder, in a press statement.
Further Investigations
US intelligence sources indicated that Israel’s decision to execute the attack now was driven by a “use it or lose it” scenario, with reports suggesting Hezbollah might have uncovered the plot.
The incident has not only disrupted Hezbollah’s communications but also raised fears among the Lebanese population about the security of personal electronic devices. Steve Moore, a former FBI agent, remarked, “This was a massive endeavor, highly covert… It indicates just a massive intelligence breach of Hezbollah’s operation.”
As of Wednesday, September 18, hospitals in Beirut remain overcrowded. The American University of Beirut Medical Center is treating over 190 patients. The center stated it is at total capacity and unable to accommodate further transfers.
