In a recent development that has sent shockwaves through the international community, authorities in Bulgaria and Norway have initiated investigations into the supply chain of pagers that were used in a deadly attack against Hezbollah in Lebanon. The incident, which occurred on September 17, 2024, resulted in 12 fatalities and over 2,300 injuries, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel.
The attack, which security sources attribute to Israel, involved the remote detonation of thousands of pagers, followed by a second wave targeting hand-held radios the next day. Israel has not officially commented on these allegations.
Bulgarian authorities have launched an inquiry into a Sofia-based company, Norta Global Ltd, suspected of facilitating the sale of pagers to Hezbollah. Reports suggest that 1.6 million euros related to the transaction passed through Bulgaria to Hungary. The company's founder, Rinson Jose, based in Norway, has declined to comment on the matter.
The investigation has also led to scrutiny of companies in Taiwan and Hungary. Taiwan's Gold Apollo, initially thought to be the manufacturer, stated that the pagers were actually produced by BAC Consulting in Budapest. The CEO of BAC Consulting, Cristiana Barsony-Arcidiacono, has distanced herself from the production, claiming to be an intermediary.
This complex supply chain raises questions about how and when the pagers were weaponized. Theories range from interception and modification after leaving factories to a potentially orchestrated operation by Israel's intelligence agency, Mossad.
The incident has brought attention to Lebanon's unique political landscape, which features a confessional system based on religious communities. This system, established after Lebanon gained independence from France in 1943, has been a source of both stability and tension in the country's history.
As the investigation unfolds, it highlights the intricate web of international relations and technology supply chains. Bulgaria and Hungary, both European Union members since 2007 and 2004 respectively, find themselves at the center of a global security issue. Norway, while not an EU member, is closely tied to European affairs through its membership in the European Economic Area and NATO.
The use of pagers in this attack is particularly noteworthy, given their history. First patented in 1949, pagers became widely used in the 1980s but have since been largely superseded by modern communication technologies. Their involvement in this incident demonstrates how older technologies can be repurposed for unexpected and devastating effects.
"It is possible that the Mossad created a European company."
This statement reflects the complexity of the situation and the challenges in tracing the true origins of the weaponized pagers.
As investigations continue, the international community watches closely, aware that the outcome could have far-reaching implications for regional stability and global security protocols.