In a sophisticated and deadly two-day operation widely attributed to Israel, hundreds of pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah members in Lebanon and Syria exploded simultaneously, killing at least 32 people and injuring thousands, raising fears of escalating conflict in the region.
This real deadly attack over multiple days conjures fears that such hidden dentoators may secretly lurking in more modern devices, perhaps even cell phones around the world. What do we know about the recent attacks?
- The first wave on Tuesday involved exploding pagers used by Hezbollah members, killing at least 12 people and injuring thousands.
- The second wave on Wednesday involved exploding walkie-talkies and other devices, killing at least 20 more people and injuring over 450.
How Did They Do It?
There are several theories about how the pager and device explosions in Lebanon and Syria occurred. The most prominent theory, supported by U.S. officials, is that it was a sophisticated operation likely carried out by Israel, involving supply-chain interference. Small explosive devices were reportedly built into the pagers before delivery to Hezbollah, and then remotely triggered simultaneously, possibly using a radio signal.
Other theories have included the use of malware to cause the devices to overheat and explode, or an electronic pulse sent from afar to burn the devices. The scale and complexity of the attack suggest the involvement of a state actor with significant resources and intelligence capabilities.
Based on the search results, the following types and brands of devices were reported to have exploded in Lebanon and Syria recently:
1. Pagers:
– AR-924 model pagers, branded by Gold Apollo (a Taiwanese company) but manufactured by BAC Consulting KFT (a Hungarian company)
2. Walkie-talkies:
– Icom V82 model walkie-talkies
3. Other devices:
– Unspecified “wireless pagers”
– Unspecified “handheld pager system”
– Solar energy systems (reported to have exploded in homes in several areas)
The attacks targeted an extraordinary number of people across multiple areas. The scale and complexity suggest involvement of a state actor with significant resources and intelligence capabilities. Some details are still uncertain and investigations are ongoing. The Israeli military has not officially commented on the incidents, though unnamed U.S. officials have attributed the attacks to Israel.
Origins of the Tech in Attacks
The information about the pagers’ origin and manufacturing is somewhat unclear and conflicting. Here are the key points:
- A Taiwanese company called Gold Apollo was initially linked to the pagers, as their brand appeared on the devices.
- However, Gold Apollo denied manufacturing the pagers and stated that a Hungarian company named BAC Consulting was licensed to use their brand and was responsible for the design and production>
- BAC Consulting is registered in Budapest, Hungary, but reports indicate there may not be an actual operational presence at the registered address.
- The CEO of BAC, Diana Bary-Aidiacono, has a background in various organizations, including UNESCO.
- According to the BBC article, BAC was established in 2022.
- The CBS News article states: “Business records accessed by CBS News from Hungary’s Ministry of Justice show that Bac Consulting was registered as a company in May 2022.”
Could Someone Explode Your Phone?
While the technology theoretically exists, the likelihood of widespread attacks using exploding cell phones is extremely low. The recent events in Lebanon and Syria appear to be highly targeted, sophisticated operations, not indicative of a broader threat to everyday cell phone users.
For those who wish to exercise high caution, it may be advisable to store your phone in a secure container when possible and consider using older models that are less likely to be compromised. However, such precautions are generally unnecessary for the average user, given the specific nature of these recent events.
When considering a small fireproof safe to protect against the risk of a rigged cell phone exploding, it’s essential to focus on models that offer robust fireproofing features and reliable security mechanisms. Here are two notable options:
Riflewell 0.87 Cub Small Fireproof Safe
- Fireproof Rating: Designed to withstand high temperatures, this safe is crafted from low-carbon alloy steel and features a double-wall construction for enhanced fire resistance.
- Security Features: It includes a digital keypad with a dual alarm system, two solid bolts, and a micro-seam design that helps prevent pry attacks.
- Size and Capacity: Dimensions are 7.87″D x 12.2″W x 7.87″H, with a capacity of 0.87 cubic feet, suitable for storing small electronics like cell phones.
- Additional Features: The safe is waterproof, has an LED light for visibility in low-light conditions, and offers multiple unlocking methods including emergency keys.
SentrySafe P005C Portable Security Safe
- Construction: Made from solid steel, this portable safe provides moderate protection against theft and fire.
- Capacity: With an interior capacity of 0.05 cubic feet, it is compact enough to carry while still accommodating small items such as cell phones.
- Locking Mechanism: Features a programmable 3-digit combination lock for secure access.
- Portability: Includes a tethering cable for securing the safe to fixed objects, making it ideal for travel.
Both safes provide essential features that could help mitigate the risks associated with storing a potentially hazardous device like a rigged cell phone. The Riflewell model offers more extensive fireproofing capabilities and security features, while the SentrySafe provides portability and ease of use.
If your device is safely away when you hear of others destructing, wait several days and exercise extreme care when opening safe to check on your phone. It may recieve the self-destruct signal at that time. Again, however, such precautions are generally unnecessary for the average user.
Read More
[1] https://abc7ny.com/post/what-know-2-waves-deadly-explosions-hit-lebanon-syria/15324996/
[2] https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hezbollah-pagers-explode-israel-taiwan-hungary-gold-apollo-bac-consulting/
[3] https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hezbollah-pagers-explode-lebanon-new-device-explosions-beirut/
[4] https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/pager-new-device-explosions-lebanon-hezbollah-rcna171637
[5] https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/walkie-talkie-blasts-lebanon-japan-icom-israel-new-phase-war-hezbollah-rcna171773
[6] https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce9jglrnmkvo
[7] https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/pager-explosion-attack-targeting-hezbollah-kills-12-wounds-thousands-more
[8] https://apnews.com/article/lebanon-hezbollah-israel-exploding-pagers-8893a09816410959b6fe94aec124461b
[9] https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/beirut-explosion-conspiracy-theories-explained
[10] https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/what-we-know-so-far-about-the-deadly-pager-explosions-in-lebanon-and-syria
[11] https://apnews.com/article/lebanon-hezbollah-israel-exploding-pagers-8893a09816410959b6fe94aec124461b
[12] https://www.hrw.org/report/2021/08/03/they-killed-us-inside/investigation-august-4-beirut-blast