At least 14 people have been killed and over 450 injured after walkie-talkies used by the militant group Hezbollah exploded in Lebanon. The blast marks the second consecutive day of deadly explosions involving communication devices linked to Hezbollah, an armed organization with significant influence in the region.
The explosion comes just one day after a similar incident involving paging devices used by Hezbollah, which claimed the lives of 12 people, including two children, and injured nearly 3,000 across the country. These back-to-back explosions have caused widespread panic and concern, with many pointing the finger at Israel for orchestrating the attacks.
Although Israel has not officially commented on the incidents, the country had previously announced plans to expand military actions against Hezbollah, which is engaged in an ongoing conflict with Israel’s forces, particularly in Gaza, where Hamas is also involved.
A walkie-talkie is a handheld communication device that allows individuals to talk wirelessly over a specific frequency. These two-way radios were invented in the 1930s and were originally developed for military use. The name “walkie-talkie” comes from their ability to enable communication while users are mobile.
Each walkie-talkie operates using a battery and includes a transmitter, antenna, loudspeaker (which also doubles as a microphone), and a ‘push-to-talk’ button. This button enables users to communicate instantly over radio waves without the need for traditional phone lines.
To use a walkie-talkie, both parties must be tuned to the same frequency or channel. The device typically emits static when not in use. When the user presses the push-to-talk button, their voice is transmitted as radio waves at the speed of light. The receiving device converts the waves back into sound, allowing for instant communication. Only one person can speak at a time on the same channel, but modern systems often include multiple channels to prevent interference.
Walkie-talkies are widely used in various sectors such as emergency services, military operations, security forces, transportation, and logistics. Their durable design and easy functionality also make them popular in construction, hospitality, and manufacturing industries. Additionally, families often use walkie-talkies during outdoor activities like hiking or camping to stay in touch.
The explosion of communication devices has left Lebanon in a state of shock. With Hezbollah playing a major role in the region, the allegations against Israel have sparked further tensions. While Hezbollah is no stranger to conflict, the unprecedented nature of these attacks has raised significant concerns about the safety of those using such devices and the broader implications for the ongoing conflict in the region.
