Anwesha Dash, Pune
Walkie-Talkies exploded in Lebanon killing 37 and injuring more than thousands, across strongholds of Hezbollah, a day after pagers blasted resulting in the death of 12 people. Hezbollah chief claims that Israel orchestrated the attack, resulting in a war-like situation between both nations, with 2 Israeli soldiers killed in a strike near the borders.
On 17 September pagers exploded in Lebanon specifically used for Hezbollah operatives. This resulted in the death of 12 people and injuries among nearly 3000. While the funerals were being carried out of the deceased, walkie-talkies used by the group members exploded as well which resulted in the death of 37 more.
Hezbollah, led by Hassan Nasrallah, is an Islamist (Shia) political party as well as a paramilitary group. The party chief has claimed that Israel is involved in the attacks and warned that this is a “declaration of war”.
The explosions have resulted in paranoia and turmoil in the country. Pagers and walkie-talkies are now banned from being carried in aircrafts. While people are also being warned about being careful with mobile phones’ batteries. As per reports, the average Lebanese population is now apprehensive and paranoid about more explosions from everyday used electronics.
Reuters has published reports disclosing the alleged involvement of Israel’s intelligentsia, especially Mossad, behind these attacks. As per sources, this targeted killings in Hezbollah hotspots is an attack that would have taken very detailed and intricate planning. Many sources have also alleged that Mossad has probably interfered in the supply chain and sabotaged the devices.
While investigations tracing back to the main manufacturer has revealed that a Taiwan based company produces it. The said company has now claimed that a Hungary based company was granted permission to use its name. Meanwhile, the Hungarian government has refuted this claim. A spokesperson said that the devices never came to Hungary and the company situated in their country was only an intermediary in the transaction process.
Though Israel has yet to either accept or refute the blame for the attacks, tensions are high in the border regions of both countries. Hezbollah has launched air strikes to counter the device explosion attacks. 2 Israeli soldiers have been reported dead as of now.
In the global scenario, these series of explosions have opened up a new technological warfare.