THE RECENT attacks against the Hezbollah in Lebanon have exposed a chilling new reality: the fusion of cutting-edge technology with seemingly outdated communication tools.
This article does not condone the attacks, nor does it laud the technological prowess used to make these weapons of murder. It simply explains how such an attack can be carried out and how vulnerable the world is against terrorism from whatever side it is coming from.
Pagers and walkie-talkies, once symbols of a bygone era, were transformed into deadly weapons, demonstrating a disturbing evolution in the tactics of modern warfare. An article in that appeared in the Australian news site SkyNews written by digital investigations reporter Josephine Franks gave interesting expert analysis and historical precedents shed light on the potential methods used to turn these analog devices into instruments of terror.
At the heart of these deadly devices lies the careful integration of explosive material within the confines of the seemingly harmless pagers and radios. Plastic explosives, known for their malleability, were likely molded to fit seamlessly into the devices’ internal cavities or battery compartments. This discreet placement, coupled with expert modification, would have rendered the explosives virtually undetectable to the unsuspecting victims.
The near-simultaneous nature of the explosions points towards a sophisticated remote detonation system. A remote signal, possibly transmitted through either a simple phone call or a embedded dedicated frequency, would have activated a hidden detonator within each device. While less likely, the possibility of timed detonators or even motion sensors cannot be ruled out entirely.
The Hezbollah seeking to evade surveillance, turned to pagers simply because these are difficult to trace since. As a seemingly outdated communication method the AR-924 pagers, sourced from the Taiwanese brand Gold Apollo, were effective because it received coded messages sent via text or even a landline.
Also, to replace mobile phones the militant group used radios, but the brand involved in the terrorist bombing was the ICOM IC-V82–primarily an analog radio–that operates on the 2-meter or 144MHz VHF frequency band. In its analog mode, it is easy to intercept messages, however if speaking in code there needs to be translating. It also has optional digital capabilities depending on the configuration; meaning it can be used in both analog and digital modes depending on the settings and compatibility.
Time Online in reports by Yasmeen Serhan and Eddy Duan respectively, the makers of the pager and radio used in the attacks denied involvement.
Taiwanese Gold Apollo confirmed licensing its brand, but not the actual production of the devices. The manufacturing was outsourced to BAC Consulting in Budapest. Osaka-based Japanese transceiver maker ICOM also announced that they discontinued production of their IC-V82 two-way radio in 2014. They also ceased production of the batteries compatible with this device. Earlier, the company cautioned consumers that most brand new IC-V82 radios available were counterfeit.
Experts believe that the installation of the explosives in the devices–a few grams only required–happened in the manufacturing process. They theorize that explosive charges can be installed inside the internal batteries or be used to fill open spaces in the devices.
And who did it?
Authorities in the United States and other regions have strongly implied who was responsible for the events. Both Hezbollah and Lebanese officials were quick to accuse Israel, which has not only been engaged in an ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza but has also been involved in daily clashes with Hezbollah along its northern border with Lebanon since October 7.
Experts point out that Israel is also allegedly technologically capable of the attacks having proven in the past its great ability for stealth and concealment having made letter bombs, used poison, built booby traps, armed drones and recently, used artificial intelligence to operate a robotic machine gun.
Now seemingly innocuous technologies have been weaponized, and the convergence of high-tech capabilities with low-tech devices creates a new and unsettling dimension in warfare, one that challenges traditional security measures. The implications of such attacks will also reshape the way civilians live their lives–particularly when traveling. Expect new security measures to be put in place which may mean longer queues at airport checkpoints.
The Hezbollah attacks serve as a stark reminder that the battlefield is no longer confined to the physical realm. Digitalization and the weaponizing of even old technology need new understanding to counter these evolving tactics and will be crucial in safeguarding lives and maintaining stability in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
