Lebanon Imposes Ban on Pagers and Walkie-Talkies on Flights Departing from Beirut
In the wake of numerous explosions of pagers, two-way radios, and other electronic devices over the past two days, Lebanon's director general of civil aviation has issued a ban on passengers carrying pagers and walkie-talkies on board any aircraft. The state news broadcaster NNA reported the news. The regulation, which is effective immediately, is being enforced at Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport, where security personnel are tasked with preventing these devices from being included in cargo, checked, or carry-on luggage.
Concerns Over Explosive Devices
The ban follows a series of blasts on Tuesday and Wednesday, which are believed to be the work of Israeli intelligence. These explosions resulted in at least 37 deaths and over 3,250 injuries. There have been reports of laptops and cell phones also exploding. According to Lebanon's Health Ministry, 608 people were injured in Wednesday's blasts alone.
Potential for Wider Implementation
Analysts are speculating that the ban on pagers and walkie-talkies could extend beyond Middle Eastern airports. The high frequency of explosions across Beirut and Lebanon, with some also reported in Syria, has raised concerns that a rigged pager could easily end up on a flight.
International Reactions
Josep Borrell of the EU has criticized the "indiscriminate" nature of the Israeli operation, while the Kremlin has labeled it as "international terrorism". While most of the casualties were Hezbollah operatives, several civilians, including children and medical workers, were also affected. Many devices detonated inside homes and apartment buildings.
Extent of the Damage
On Tuesday alone, around 4,000 pagers exploded within an hour. The following day saw more explosions of handheld devices, including walkie-talkie radios, mobile phones, laptops, and even solar power cells. More than 300 patients are in intensive care, and 400 require surgeries and other treatments due to the blasts. Wednesday's explosions involved "larger and bigger devices that caused more damage," resulting in injuries that include "internal bleeding, injuries to the abdomen and other parts of the body, including brain haemorrhages".
Impact on the Population
The attacks have caused widespread fear among the population. Beirut resident Rana Bahlawani told Al Jazeera, "We are all afraid. Everyone is living day by day as no one knows what to expect." The capital's popular seaside promenade, the Corniche, was reported to be deserted on Thursday.
International Reactions
Russia has accused the West of double standards after the US refused to condemn the pager attacks, labeling them as "international terrorism". Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova described the pager blasts in Lebanon as international terrorism and urged the world to pay close attention to the West's reaction.
Public Fear and Outrage
The attacks have caused widespread fear and confusion among the Lebanese population. One Lebanese user living in the West shared that their cousin in Beirut had disconnected her baby monitor and other household appliances and devices out of fear. There is widespread uncertainty about which devices are safe and which are not. Another commenter, Marc Lynch, criticized the pager operation, saying that it was "absolutely guaranteed that phones would explode in densely packed civilian areas" and that "in any other context we'd call that terrorism".
Bottom Line
The situation in Lebanon is undoubtedly dire, with the recent ban on pagers and walkie-talkies on flights being a clear indication of the severity of the threat. The fear and uncertainty among the population are palpable, and the international community's reactions vary. What are your thoughts on this development? Do you think the ban will be effective in preventing further attacks? Share your thoughts and this article with your friends. And don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.
