Hezbollah blames Israel for deadly pager explosions in Lebanon and Syria, killing 12 and injuring thousands

In a dramatic and highly coordinated attack, hundreds of pagers exploded across Lebanon and Syria on 17 September 2024, killing at least 12 people, including two children, and injuring nearly 3,000 others. The explosions, allegedly orchestrated by Israeli intelligence, targeted members of Hezbollah, a militant group supported by Iran. These pagers, which had only recently been introduced into Hezbollah’s communication network, detonated simultaneously, catching users off-guard and leading to widespread devastation.

Sophisticated attack planned for months

Reports suggest that the operation involved significant planning, with explosive devices likely planted in the pagers months before their distribution to Hezbollah. Israeli intelligence feared that their infiltration of Hezbollah’s supply chain would be discovered, prompting them to trigger the attack sooner than initially planned. According to analysts, this operation required a high degree of intelligence gathering, logistical planning, and technical expertise, making it one of the most sophisticated strikes against Hezbollah in recent years.

The pagers, produced by Gold Apollo, a Taiwanese company, and assembled by Hungary-based BAC Consulting KFT, were allegedly tampered with at the production level. Explosives were likely inserted into the devices before they reached Hezbollah operatives, indicating that Israeli agents had deeply penetrated the group’s supply chain. Experts believe the explosions were remotely triggered, possibly through a radio signal, making it difficult for Hezbollah to detect the threat before the devices were activated.

Mass casualties overwhelm hospitals

The explosions left hospitals in Lebanon overwhelmed as they treated thousands of injured civilians and Hezbollah fighters. Victims, many suffering from severe facial and hand injuries, filled emergency rooms across Beirut, the Beqaa Valley, and southern Lebanon. Lebanese Health Minister Firas Abiad confirmed that at least 12 people were killed, with children among the dead, while thousands more were left with varying degrees of injuries. Medical personnel were placed on high alert, and citizens were urged to dispose of any remaining pagers to prevent further explosions.

Israel’s covert operations expose Hezbollah’s vulnerabilities

This attack has revealed the vulnerabilities in Hezbollah’s communication infrastructure, which shifted to pagers after their mobile phone networks were reportedly infiltrated by Israeli intelligence earlier this year. Hezbollah officials are now scrambling to reassess their communication strategies, knowing their supply chains have been compromised. The group has vowed retaliation, and tensions in the region have escalated sharply as both Israel and Hezbollah exchange threats of further violence.

Security experts have labelled this operation a “high-value” mission designed to destabilise Hezbollah’s command and control infrastructure. The psychological impact of this attack is profound, as Hezbollah members are now left questioning the security of even their most basic communication devices. Analysts have warned that this attack could signal a broader offensive, aimed at disrupting Hezbollah’s operations and its ability to coordinate across the region.

Global reaction and looming conflict

The international community has responded with concern, fearing that this attack could lead to a broader conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Lebanon’s government has condemned the explosions as a violation of its sovereignty, while Hezbollah’s leadership has promised swift retaliation. Israel, while declining to officially comment, is believed to be preparing for potential counterattacks from Hezbollah.

As tensions continue to rise, both sides appear to be bracing for further confrontations. The scale and precision of this operation suggest that Israel has gained significant intelligence advantages over Hezbollah, but it remains to be seen how the group will respond and how this will affect the wider Middle East.