Recently, 3000 pagers and dozens of walkie-talkies exploded simultaneously in Lebanon, causing widespread chaos. This secret operation, named 'Operation Grim Beeper', was executed with remarkable precision.
Operation Grim Beeper is hailed as a top-tier operation for its simultaneous execution of 4 distinct objectives. In two days, the explosions of thousands of pagers and walkie-talkies resulted in 37 deaths and 3000 injuries in Lebanon. This operation stands out in recent history for its meticulous planning and execution. The potential involvement of Israel in these pager blasts, precision targeting, high-level coordination, and successful fulfillment of multiple objectives clearly intensified tensions between Israel and Lebanon.
Let's dive into the four simultaneous operations that achieved distinct objectives. Notably, these potential Israeli attacks dealt a significant blow to Hezbollah.
1. Mapping and Precise Infiltration of Hezbollah’s Supply Chain
The pager blasts targeting Hezbollah are believed to be the result of infiltrating the terror group’s supply chain. This operation showcased Israel's advanced intelligence capabilities by embedding small explosive devices during the manufacturing and supply process of pagers. Israelis didn't just physically halt the supply, they even established a shell company in Budapest to organize and sell these pagers. It's a comprehensive operation on its own.
The blast-involved pagers were part of a shipment of nearly 5000 devices imported by Hezbollah, indicating that Israeli intelligence agencies effectively infiltrated and understood Hezbollah's internal workings. Israelis must have gathered extensive intelligence to map out and comprehend Hezbollah's entire supply chain, including its foreign procurement networks.
Source: aajtak
2. Constructing Thousands of Perfect Explosive Devices
The tampering of pagers required an ideal amount of explosives, neither a gram more nor less, known as PETN. Agents needed to be extremely vigilant to ensure these pagers didn't turn into larger explosive devices, yet remained discrete. Israeli intelligence agencies developed a compact explosive system that could be hidden inside the small pagers. Planning the precise PETN amount for controlled blasts must have required painstaking attention to detail, resulting in targeted explosions hitting Hezbollah fighters.
Also Read... The Planning, Plotting, and Execution of Blasts... How This Israeli Intelligence Unit Shook Lebanon
3. Transporting Fake Devices to Targets and Executing the Blasts
After the first batch of pagers reached Lebanon, Israeli intelligence likely endured months of tension, awaiting the perfect moment to detonate. The risk of detection loomed, particularly since only a few hundred pagers were initially distributed. Reports of over 5000 pagers in circulation increased the risk. Additionally, the threat of discovering the explosive devices in pagers heightened when espionage equipment was found in solar panel shipments from Latakia port and Syria’s land border. According to an investigation by Syria.TV in May 2024, these devices were traced back to Israel and aimed to monitor IRGC and Iranian proxies in Syria.
Source: aajtak
4. Crippling Hezbollah’s Communication and Combat Capabilities
Communication is crucial, especially in warfare. A substantial effort during war is to incapacitate the enemy’s communication systems, making it a standalone operation. Over two days of explosions, the common target was communication devices. Disabling Hezbollah’s pagers and radios severely crippled their communication abilities, posing a significant challenge against a militarily superior force like Israel. In February, Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah urged his fighters to abandon mobile phones after Israeli intelligence infiltrated them. With all communication devices like mobile phones, walkie-talkies, and pagers effectively disabled, Hezbollah becomes considerably vulnerable to Israeli attacks.
