In a chilling twist of modern warfare, pagers — relics of the pre-smartphone era — became instruments of terror in Lebanon this week. Over 30 people were killed and nearly 3,000 injured as remotely detonated devices exploded across the country. The blasts sent shockwaves through the Middle East and raised urgent questions about how everyday tech can be weaponized.
How Did This Happen?
Lebanese media outlet MTV Lebanon reported that the pagers were triggered remotely. Analysts cited by the Financial Times suggest two scenarios: either malware caused lithium batteries to overheat, or explosive materials were secretly embedded during manufacturing. Reuters added that a Lebanese security source claims Israel’s intelligence service modified the devices with undetectable explosives, activated by a coded signal.
Why Pagers?
Pagers, still used by emergency services and certain industries in the region, became easy targets. The attackers exploited their widespread distribution, turning a communication tool into a nationwide threat. Experts warn this could signal a dangerous shift in conflict tactics, blending cyber warfare with physical destruction.
As global leaders debate the ethics of such attacks, one thing is clear: the line between \"old tech\" and \"new dangers\" has never been thinner.
The blasts sent shockwaves through the Middle East and raised urgent questions about how everyday tech can be weaponized.
How Did This Happen?
Why Pagers?
