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Lebanon Pager Blasts: Advanced Sabotage, The New Middle East Playbook

Lebanon Pager Blasts: The recent attacks represent a sophisticated shift in covert operations. This new strategy could redefine how conflicts are managed in the region.

By Srijan Sharma
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Lebanon Pager Blasts

Lebanon Pager Blasts | Photo courtesy: Mehr News Agency (Left), DD India (Right)

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Lebanon Pager Blasts: A Game-Changer in Middle East Espionage

Months after the assassination of Hamas Chief, another act reminiscent of a high-stakes espionage thriller is unravelling in the Middle East. This time, Lebanon is at the centre of attention, where a meticulously coordinated explosion has wreaked havoc. The blasts, triggered by multiple detonated pagers, left thousands injured and claimed the lives of at least eleven people. Unlike the typical terror attacks the region is accustomed to, this was a carefully engineered strike aimed at crippling Hezbollah’s offensive potential. While Israel is the predictable suspect given its longstanding tensions with Hezbollah, this incident signals something far more complex than an ordinary covert operation.

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The Attack 

According to a report by The New York Times, the attack in Lebanon may have involved a highly sophisticated form of sabotage. It is alleged that Israel planted explosive material within a batch of Taiwanese-manufactured pagers that had been imported into Lebanon. The explosives, small amounts between one to two ounces, were placed next to the batteries of each pager, according to officials. A remotely controlled switch was embedded, allowing the explosives to be detonated at will. 

At precisely 3:30 p.m., the pagers, distributed widely among Hezbollah members, received what appeared to be a standard communication from the group’s leadership. However, instead of delivering instructions, the message triggered the explosive devices. Lebanon’s health minister confirmed that at least 11 people were killed, with more than 2,700 injured, as reported by The New York Times. The intricate plot didn’t stop there. Reports suggest that over 3,000 pagers were ordered from Taiwa

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