The Explosive Mystery of Pagers in Lebanon: How Hand-Held Devices Became Deadly Weapons
In a shocking turn of events, a series of explosions involving pagers in Lebanon has raised serious concerns about the potential for everyday communication devices to be weaponized. The incident, which resulted in the deaths of several Hezbollah members, has prompted an investigation into how these seemingly innocuous devices were transformed into deadly explosives. Sky News’ Data and Forensics team has delved into this issue, consulting with experts to uncover the mechanics behind these explosive pagers.
The Devices in Question: Gold Apollo Pagers
The pagers involved in the explosions are identified as the AR-924 model, branded under Gold Apollo, a company based in Taiwan. The devices were reportedly manufactured under license in Budapest by BAC Consulting, a firm that has come under scrutiny following the incident. Cristiana Barsony-Arcidiacono, CEO of BAC Consulting, clarified her company’s role, stating, "I don’t make the pagers. I am just the intermediate. I think you got it wrong." This raises questions about the production and modification processes that may have led to the devices being rigged for detonation.
Understanding the Explosive Mechanism
While the exact method of how the pagers were turned into bombs remains unclear, experts have provided insights into the potential techniques involved. Dr. Eyal Pinko, a former Israeli navy and intelligence operative, explains that only a small amount of explosive material—just a gram or two—can cause significant harm. Although unverified reports suggest that pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) may have been used, other possibilities include TNT or similar explosives.
The Role of Explosives in Pagers
According to Andrea Sella, a professor of chemistry at University College London, explosives can be effectively concealed within the compact structure of a pager. "You could conceivably insert some of this stuff into the nooks and crannies [of a pager]," he notes. The explosives could be hidden in various parts of the device, such as the battery compartment or within a detonating mechanism.
The Detonator: How It Works
To initiate an explosion, a detonator is essential. Carl Robson, a former British army bomb disposal operator, describes the detonator as a "small cylindrical barrel" that can cause injury even without additional explosives. The pager’s battery serves as the power source for the detonator, but the critical question is how the battery activates the detonator.
Triggering the Explosion
The process begins with a specific message sent to the pager, which acts as a trigger. Dr. Pinko elaborates, stating that this message can create an explosive chain reaction by drawing current from the battery, heating the explosive material to a critical temperature, and ultimately causing an explosion. Sean Moorhouse, another expert in explosive ordnance disposal, likens this to a light switch: instead of the pager beeping in response to a message, the device is programmed to send a charge to the detonator.
The Programming Dilemma
Despite the insights provided by experts, questions remain about how the pagers were programmed to respond to the triggering messages. Robson suggests that the functionality of the two-way radios, which also exploded in Lebanon, could have been manipulated in a similar manner. This indicates that the explosives and necessary circuitry were integrated into the devices with a specific function as the trigger.
Possible Triggers and Their Mechanisms
The triggers for these devices could vary. While a direct call to the radios may have served as a trigger, timers or alarms cannot be ruled out. Regardless of the method, the underlying principle remains the same: the device draws power from the battery to initiate the explosives.
Conclusion: A New Era of Weaponization
The tragic events in Lebanon serve as a stark reminder of the potential for everyday technology to be weaponized. As investigations continue, the focus will be on understanding the production, modification, and triggering mechanisms of these explosive pagers. The implications of such technology extend beyond the immediate tragedy, raising concerns about security and the evolving nature of threats in our increasingly interconnected world. The incident underscores the need for vigilance and awareness in a landscape where even the most benign devices can be turned into instruments of destruction.