Details on how the attack was executed are largely uncertain, as investigators try to piece together how it happened. Here’s what we know so far.

Remote Attack Targets Hezbollah Members Using Pagers

NEW YORK — In what appears to be a sophisticated, remote attack, pagers used by hundreds of members of Hezbollah exploded almost simultaneously in Lebanon and Syria on Tuesday, resulting in the tragic death of at least 12 people, including two children, and leaving thousands wounded.

A U.S. official revealed that Israel briefed the U.S. on the operation, which involved small explosive devices hidden in the pagers. The attack, likely planned long in advance, has been attributed to Israel, although the Israeli military has not commented on the incident.

Why Pagers? The Unique Communication Strategy of Hezbollah

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah’s caution against cellphone usage led the organization to rely on pagers for communication. The exploded devices were of a new brand previously unused by the group, authorized by Taiwanese company Gold Apollo and produced by BAC Consulting in Hungary.

Nicholas Reese, an expert in global affairs, highlighted the lower risk of intercepted communication with pagers compared to smartphones, implying a shift in Hezbollah’s communication methods post-attack.

Sabotage or Supply-Chain Interference?

Multiple theories have emerged surrounding how the pagers were made to explode. Experts suggest that small explosive devices could have been implanted in the pagers during manufacturing, triggering a simultaneous detonation remotely.

The involvement of a state actor has been implied, with suspicions pointing towards Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency due to similar past operations targeting Iran’s ballistic missile program.

The Complexity of the Operation and its Impact

Planning an attack of this scale would require months to years of intelligence gathering and meticulous execution. Insight from dialogue with Hezbollah members revealed that the compromised pagers had been in use for over six months before the explosions.

The attack’s immense impact raises questions about its targets and the extensive planning involved. The operation’s level of sophistication suggests a well-funded and resourceful perpetrator.

With the ongoing investigation into this unprecedented attack, the full extent of the planning and motives behind it are yet to be revealed.

Associated Press journalist Johnson Lai in Taipei contributed to this report.