Explosive Sabotage: Hezbollah’s Communication Devices Targeted

Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps has ordered all members to cease using communication devices following the explosion of numerous Hezbollah pagers and walkie-talkies in Lebanon. The IRGC is inspecting all devices due to concerns of Israeli infiltration. Security measures have significantly increased across Iran's critical facilities.

Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has ordered all members to halt the use of communication devices after thousands of pagers and walkie-talkies used by its Hezbollah allies in Lebanon exploded in deadly attacks last week, according to two senior Iranian security officials.

One security official noted that a large-scale operation by the IRGC is underway to inspect all communication devices. He revealed that most of these devices were either homemade or imported from China and Russia.

The official, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, mentioned that Iran was concerned about infiltration by Israeli agents, including Iranians on Israel's payroll. Consequently, a thorough investigation targeting mid and high-ranking IRGC members has commenced, scrutinizing their bank accounts both domestically and abroad, as well as their travel history and that of their families.

Iran's Foreign, Defense, and Interior Ministries have not yet responded to Reuters' request for comments. In a coordinated attack, the pager devices detonated Tuesday across Hezbollah's strongholds, followed by the explosion of hundreds of walkie-talkies on Wednesday, which resulted in 39 deaths and over 3,000 injuries.

Lebanon and Hezbollah accuse Israel of orchestrating the attacks, although Israel has neither confirmed nor denied involvement. The security official withheld details about the IRGC's current communication methods but confirmed that they are using end-to-end encrypted messaging systems.

The IRGC has sought Hezbollah's technical assessments and has sent examples of the exploded devices to Tehran for examination. Another Iranian official stressed the importance of protecting Iran's nuclear and missile facilities, particularly after increased security measures were implemented last year following alleged Israeli sabotage attempts.

The IRGC wields significant political, military, and economic influence in Iran and maintains a strong presence in the Middle East through its Al Quds Force. This powerful entity provides support to groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, Yemen's Houthis, and militias in Iraq. With tight security measures now in place, especially after the recent attacks, the IRGC underscores the urgency of maintaining secure communications within its ranks.

(With inputs from agencies.)