Introduction
On September 17, 2024, hundreds of pagers exploded across Lebanon and parts of Syria, killing at least 12 people and injuring over 2,800. This unprecedented event has drawn global attention and raised questions about the weaponization of low-tech communication devices. The exploding pagers, mostly AR924s branded by the Taiwan-based company Gold Apollo, have spotlighted a complex web involving multiple countries and entities.
The Explosive Incident
On Sunday, September 15, 2024, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed his security Cabinet, vowing to ensure the return of 70,000 displaced Israelis from the northern border villages affected by the conflict with Hezbollah. Two days later, on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, the pagers began exploding simultaneously. The explosions primarily targeted Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Shia militia group, which relies on pagers and walkie-talkies for communication.
Immediate Aftermath
- 12 people killed
- Over 2,800 injured
- 20 more dead and 450 injured the following day due to walkie-talkie explosions
Lebanese health officials reported that victims included at least two children. However, they couldn’t confirm how many victims were civilians versus Hezbollah members. Hezbollah blamed Israel for the attack, and Iran accused Israel of mass murder in Lebanon. Israel neither confirmed nor denied its involvement, maintaining its standard response in such controversial operations.
Hezbollah’s Communication Strategy
Hezbollah, wary of using cell phones due to potential Israeli penetration, turned to pagers for communication. The AR924 pagers, which exploded, carried the brand name of Gold Apollo, a Taiwan-based company founded in 1995. Gold Apollo quickly distanced itself from the incident, stating that they were not involved in the production of the specific pagers in question.
Gold Apollo’s Statement
Gold Apollo’s founder and president, Hsu Ching-kuang, issued a statement saying, “The product was not ours. It was only that it had our brand on it.” The company clarified that the AR924 model pagers were manufactured by BAC Consulting KFT, a Hungarian company.
The Hungarian Connection
BAC Consulting, based in Budapest, is known for its work in environmental, political, and development projects. However, its involvement in manufacturing electronic devices was not publicly known. The company’s CEO, Cristiana Rosaria Brsony-Arcidiacono, a PhD in particle physics, denied making the pagers, stating she was merely an intermediary.
Gold Apollo and BAC Consulting Partnership
Gold Apollo revealed that they had a long-term partnership with BAC Consulting and had authorized them to use their brand trademark for product sales in specific regions. However, the design and manufacturing of the products were entirely handled by BAC.
The Hidden Hand
According to a New York Times report, BAC Consulting was allegedly a front company for Israeli intelligence agencies. The report suggested that Israeli intelligence officials set up three shell companies, including BAC, registered in Hungary in 2022. These companies manufactured pagers with inbuilt PETN (pentaerythritol tetranitrate) explosives and a remote detonation switch.
Impact on Hezbollah
The back-to-back explosions have significantly impacted Hezbollah, which recently lost its senior commander, Fuad Shukr, to an Israeli assassination on July 30 in Beirut. Israel’s willingness to take great risks in attacking its rivals has been demonstrated once again. However, Hezbollah has vowed vengeance, which is likely to escalate tensions on Israel’s northern border in the coming days.
Conclusion
The trail of exploding pagers from Taiwan to Lebanon via Hungary has revealed a complex and covert operation involving multiple actors. The incident has raised critical questions about the weaponization of civilian communication devices and the ethical implications of such actions. As the geopolitical landscape shifts, the repercussions of this event will likely unfold in the coming months.
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