On Tuesday, a series of coordinated explosions involving pagers shocked Lebanon, resulting in the tragic death of eight individuals and injuring approximately 2,750 others. The simultaneous detonations, which targeted various locations, caused widespread chaos and devastation. Emergency services are working to respond to the crisis, and authorities are investigating the attacks to determine those responsible and their motives.
What are Pagers?
Pagers, also known as beepers, are communication devices that were widely used from the 1980s through the early 2000s. Their primary function is to receive and display short messages or alerts. Unlike cell phones, which are capable of two-way communication, pagers are generally used for one-way messaging. They operate on radio frequencies and can alert users through audible tones, vibrations, or visual displays.
There are three types of Pagers:
- Numeric Pagers: Display only numbers, usually for responding with a phone call.
- Alphanumeric Pagers: Can display text messages, allowing more detailed communication.
- Two-Way Pagers: Enable both receiving and sending messages.
Why Lebanon is Still Using Pagers:
Several factors contribute to the renewed popularity of pagers in Lebanon:
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Reliability in Emergencies: In Lebanon, where some regions face connectivity issues, pagers offer a dependable alternative. Their ability to receive messages even when network conditions are poor makes them valuable for critical communications.
Cost-Effectiveness: For many businesses and organizations, pagers are a cost-effective solution compared to modern communication technologies.
Simplicity and Ease of Use: Pagers are straightforward devices, easy to use and maintain. This simplicity can be appealing to individuals and organizations looking for a no-frills communication tool.
Niche Use Cases: In Lebanon, pagers are particularly popular among healthcare professionals, emergency services, and other sectors that require reliable and immediate communication.
Local Innovations: Lebanese companies have adapted pagers to modern needs by integrating them with local infrastructure and services.
What Led to Pager Explosion in Lebanon:
The explosion of pagers across Lebanon primarily affected areas where Hezbollah has a strong presence, such as Beirut’s southern suburbs and the Beqaa Valley. The devices, identified as AR-924 models, were suspected to have been tampered with before arriving in Lebanon.
According to reports, they contained explosive components that were triggered remotely, possibly by receiving a specific code. This led to coordinated detonations in several locations. Some sources suggest that Israel may have played a role, although no official statement was made.
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