Kinetic cyber-attacks in Lebanon add a new dimension to warfare

These operations open a new dimension of warfare wherein the target country or the organisation can be subjected to heavy casualties by the clandestine arming of day to day devices.

- MAJ GEN S.B. ASTHANA

The Hezbollah and Lebanon were shocked on 17 September by an unprecedented attack when pagers belonging to its members exploded near simultaneously, killing 12 personnel, injuring over 2,800 (including the Iranian ambassador) with more than 170 in critical condition.

The remotely controlled explosions were repeated on 18 September through walkie-talkies (nine killed and over 300 injured) indicating that penetration into Hezbollah's communication network was much deeper than what the group would have imagined.

Various media sources have reported that the explosions were the result of a joint operation between Israel's intelligence service, Mossad, and the Israeli military. While Israel did not comment, both Lebanon and Hezbollah have blamed it for the attack. Hezbollah has vowed to retaliate, Lebanon has termed it as "criminal Israeli aggression" and Iran is referring to it as "Israeli terrorism".

This unprecedented incident exposed the vulnerability and extent to which the communication network of Hezbollah was compromised, following a series of pinpoint targeted assassinations against its commanders. This operation was executed a day after the Israeli cabinet officially added a new goal to its multi-front war of returning thousands of Israelis evacuated from northern Israel due to attacks by Hezbollah to their homes, signifying the intention of warding off threat from Hezbollah.

THE PROGNOSIS