Israel’s Mossad reportedly created a fake company to infiltrate Hezbollah’s communication networks. On September 17, 2024, more than twelve people died after pagers with hidden explosives were sent to Hezbollah operatives in Lebanon, leading to multiple explosions.
The next day, modified walkie-talkies exploded, causing even more casualties and raising the death toll to over 20. This operation is widely believed to be the work of Israeli intelligence, showcasing Mossad’s skill in manipulating supply chains to carry out targeted attacks.
The Setup: BAC Consulting and the Pagers
Israel is said to have planned a complex operation to infiltrate Hezbollah’s supply chain by creating a fake company called BAC Consulting, which was reportedly based in Hungary. BAC Consulting pretended to be a legitimate supplier and provided AR-924 pagers to Hezbollah operatives, promoting them as secure communication devices. However, Mossad agents secretly modified these devices by placing high-grade explosives inside the lithium batteries, making it almost impossible to detect the threat.
The AR-924 pager was known for its reliability in encrypted one-way communication, which caught Hezbollah’s interest. It had a long battery life and was difficult to track, making it ideal for secret communications in Lebanon, where secure mobile networks were unreliable. Hezbollah purchased many of these devices, unaware of the hidden danger.
The pagers appeared to be regular communication tools, and Hezbollah operatives trusted them completely. On September 17, the pagers were remotely detonated, causing several deaths within Hezbollah. This covert operation highlighted Israel’s ability to use technology and deception to disrupt its enemies. Even though Israel has not officially taken responsibility, many believe Mossad was behind this counter-terrorism move.
The Explosive Incident
On September 17, 2024, explosions occurred in multiple locations across Lebanon when the AR-924 pagers unexpectedly detonated, killing at least 12 Hezbollah members and injuring many others. The next day, modified walkie-talkies also exploded, increasing the number of casualties. Reports indicate that this carefully coordinated operation targeted Hezbollah’s communication system, making it difficult for them to operate during a critical time.
Initially, some speculated that faulty lithium batteries caused the explosions. However, forensic tests later revealed a more frightening truth: the devices had plastic explosives hidden inside the battery compartments. The design was highly advanced, making it difficult to detect the explosives. Experts believe that the explosives were triggered remotely or used a time-delay mechanism, showcasing the technical expertise involved in the operation.
Although Mossad has not confirmed its involvement, analysts believe the timing and precision of the operation were intended to cripple Hezbollah’s ability to communicate effectively. BAC Consulting, the fake company, is thought to have played a significant role in supplying these dangerous devices disguised as legitimate communication tools.
Using explosives concealed inside ordinary communication devices illustrates the high level of risk and precision involved in modern intelligence operations. This mission caused significant losses for Hezbollah and exposed vulnerabilities in their security measures.
The Sophistication Behind the Attack
This operation demonstrates Mossad’s expertise in both psychological and technical warfare. Mossad gained Hezbollah’s trust by establishing a convincing front company with a fake history and seemingly authentic credentials. This deception led to Hezbollah widely distributing the devices among key operatives before the attack was carried out.
Mossad reportedly worked with private contractors to design the devices and create a fake supply chain. Implanting explosives while ensuring the devices remained functional until detonation required modifying genuine products without compromising their regular use.
Hezbollah often prefers older but reliable communication technology, like pagers, because they are difficult to trace. Mossad used this preference to their advantage, exploiting Hezbollah’s confidence in the safety of these devices.
Implications for Hezbollah
This attack significantly impacted Hezbollah’s operational capabilities. It disrupted communication and created fear and mistrust within the group about the integrity of their equipment. This uncertainty could lead to delays in their operations, as members might no longer trust their tools.
The incident also highlighted Hezbollah’s reliance on international suppliers, exposing weaknesses in their procurement process. This could lead them to be more cautious with their suppliers or attempt to manufacture their equipment locally, which would likely be more costly and inefficient.
Mossad’s Legacy of Deception
Throughout its history, Mossad has used deception to address threats, including creating fake companies, using false identities, and developing advanced technology. The recent use of explosive-laden pagers through a phony company, BAC Consulting, is just one more example of Mossad’s strategies. Mossad has successfully carried out other high-profile missions, such as assassinations using concealed weapons and tampering with electronic devices for attacks or surveillance.
For instance, in 2010, Mossad agents reportedly used forged passports to assassinate a Hamas commander in Dubai. Another example is the Stuxnet cyberattack, believed to have been developed with the CIA, which disrupted Iran’s nuclear program. These operations demonstrate Mossad’s ability to use precision and deception, exploiting emerging technologies to target their adversaries’ weaknesses. These strategies have kept Mossad effective at countering threats while maintaining plausible deniability, reinforcing its reputation as one of the most skilled intelligence agencies in the world.
International Reactions and Speculation
Israel has not officially acknowledged this operation, but many analysts say that the precision and scale of the attack point to Mossad. Reactions worldwide have been mixed, with some viewing it as a legitimate counter-terrorism effort and others criticizing it as a dangerous escalation.
In Lebanon, the incident has further increased tension between Hezbollah and the local population. Many civilians are questioning Hezbollah’s ability to protect them. Meanwhile, Israel’s silence adds to the mystery surrounding Mossad’s actions.
Mossad’s operation to target Hezbollah using exploding pagers highlights their ingenuity and planning skills. By creating a fake company and embedding explosives in ordinary devices, Israel demonstrated its ability to undermine its enemies through indirect yet powerful means. This mission not only disrupted Hezbollah’s activities but also sent a strong psychological message, reinforcing Mossad’s reputation as one of the world’s most formidable intelligence agencies.