Exploding Pagers in Lebanon and Syria Linked to Budapest Manufacturer
Taiwanese company Gold Apollo announced that it authorized its branding on the pagers involved in the recent explosions in Lebanon and Syria. However, the manufacturing was carried out by BAC Consulting KFT, a company based in Budapest, Hungary. This information was revealed during a press conference on Wednesday.
Tragic Outcomes of the Explosions
On Tuesday, AR-924 pagers, reportedly used by the militant group Hezbollah, exploded almost simultaneously in Lebanon and Syria, resulting in at least nine fatalities, including an 8-year-old girl, and injuring over 2,000 individuals. The attacks have been attributed to a sophisticated remote operation, with Hezbollah and the Lebanese government accusing Israel.
Details of the Pagers and the Incident
The AR-924 pagers, which were designed to be rugged and equipped with rechargeable lithium batteries, began overheating and exploding in crowded public areas, including grocery stores and cafes. Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes with bloodshed and panic among bystanders.
Manufacturing and Licensing Agreement
Gold Apollo clarified that their licensing agreement with BAC Consulting allowed the latter to utilize their brand for sales in specific regions, but all design and manufacturing responsibilities rested with BAC. Gold Apollo Chairman Hsu Ching-kuang stated that they have maintained this agreement for three years, although no contract details were provided.
Security Concerns and Expert Insights
Security experts speculate that explosives were likely integrated into the pagers before distribution, indicating a deep infiltration of the supply chain. Many of the explosions occurred in areas heavily populated by Hezbollah members, particularly in southern Beirut and the Beqaa Valley.
Market Impact and Usage of Pagers
Despite the incidents, Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs reported that Gold Apollo has exported approximately 260,000 pagers since early 2022, predominantly to Europe and the United States. Notably, there are no records of direct exports to Lebanon. Pagers have become a preferred communication tool for Hezbollah, as they offer an alternative to mobile phones, which are vulnerable to Israeli surveillance.
Conclusion
This tragic event has raised significant concerns regarding security and the potential for further attacks. As investigations continue, the implications for both regional stability and the pager manufacturing industry remain to be seen.