How pagers became bombs in Lebanon

ABC News Daily

On Tuesday afternoon in Lebanon, hundreds of pagers used by members of the Hezbollah militant group to communicate, exploded all at once.

It was a deadly attack, a young girl is among the dead and almost three thousand others are injured.

Israel is being blamed, although it hasn't admitted its role.

Today, intelligence expert John Blaxland on the sophisticated strike that’s embarrassed and rattled Hezbollah.

Professor Blaxland says the attack is unprecedented in its coordination and technological sophistication.

He highlights that the pagers were likely tampered with along the supply chain, possibly with military-grade explosives.

The attack’s timing suggests it could be a pre-emptive move against a potential Hezbollah offensive, he says.

Professor Blaxland also notes the significant embarrassment and operational disruption this causes for Hezbollah, potentially affecting their future actions.

Featured:

John Blaxland, Director of the ANU North America Liaison Office and Professor of International Security and Intelligence Studies

Key Topics:

• Hezbollah
• Israel
• Lebanon
• Explosives
• Intelligence operations
• Middle East conflict
• Mossad
• Technological espionage