But, even without Israel publicly admitting responsibility, it is clear that the attack was carefully planned - however uncertain its consequences.
Experts generally believe a small mount of stable explosive was carefully implanted into each sabotaged device. Alan Woodward, a professor of cybersecurity at Surrey University, said: "There wouldn't need to be much explosive as proximity to a human body means it would cause injury even if it was a few grams." The first wave of explosions from about 3.30pm on Tuesday - appear to be have been triggered by a special message, appearing to be from Hezbollah leadership, implying, Woodward said, a specific modification of the pagers' embedded software. This meant it would trigger an explosion whenever the message was sent.
It may have been a default setting of the pagers, but the trigger message came with a cynical twist.
Witnesses say the pagers bleeped, then paused, then detonated enough time to bring them closer to the owner's face - which is why doctors reported treating multiple hand and eye injuries.
Twelve people were killed and about 2,800 injured in Tuesday's explosions, and 14 died in a second wave that followed yesterday when walkie-talkies starting blowing up.
This suggests the attacks amounted to a concerted attempt to disrupt Hezbollah's communications - the kind of activity that could be a prelude to a bombing raid of south.
Lebanon or other conventional military attack.
Bu hikaye The Guardian dergisinin September 19, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The Guardian dergisinin September 19, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
"They can't get away scot-free' EFL wants to charge Leicester with PSR breach if relegated
The English Football League wants to charge Leicester over the alleged breach of profitability and sustainability rules (PSR) the Premier League was blocked from pursuing this month, if the club are relegated.
Rodgers’ star on rise again as rampant Celtic extend perfect start
This proved a modern day Celtic Park rarity.
City off-colour as Gündogan's late misses hand dogged Inter a point
Manchester City know only too well how tough a nut Inter are to crack.
Significant ankle damage rules Ødegaard out 'for a while'
Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Martin Ødegaard has damaged ankle ligaments and will be sidelined \"for a while\" after the Arsenal captain was injured on international duty.
Salvatore Schillaci, 1964-2024 Italy mourns its goalscoring hero from 1990 World Cup
Tributes have been paid to Salvatore Schillaci after the former Italy forward died at the age of 59.
Captain Brook hands rebooted England licence to entertain
In one sense the five-match ODI series between England and Australia that starts in Nottingham today is slightly lacking in wider context.
'Any free time, I'll go fishing.My missus thinks I'm a bit weird'
Ollie Sleightholme, who is geared up for title defence, explains how angling relieves the pressures Northampton's
Itoje rejects Jones’ claims he is not suited to captaincy
Maro Itoje has rejected claims by the former England head coach Eddie Jones that he is \"very inward-looking\" and not suited to Test captaincy, after being unveiled as Saracens' skipper.
Floods and tears Worcestershire dig deep to shine despite adversity and tragedy
Somerset could still win their first County Championship title, while Surrey remain on for the three-peat.
Remote working Like it or loathe it, WFH looks like it is here to stay
Four years ago when the world of work was upended by the Covid pandemic, confident were made predictions that a permanent shift in remote working would follow the removal of lockdown restrictions.