Pager, Walkie-Talkie Blasts in Lebanon | 21 Sep 2024

Source: HT

Why in News? 

Recently, several people were killed and hundreds injured in Lebanon following explosions of hand-held radios like walkie-talkies and pagers used by Hezbollah at multiple locations.  

• These pagers, chosen by Hezbollah to evade detection through cell phones, were covertly modified with Pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN).  

What are Walkie-Talkies? 

• About: 
  • It is also known as a handheld two-way radio with a microphone and speaker. 
  • These are portable communication devices that utilize radio waves to transmit and receive messages on specific frequency bands.  
• History and Invention: 
  • These were first used by the military in the 1930s and played an important role in wars of the 20th century. 
  • Its invention is attributed to Don Hings in 1937, initially created for pilots and known as wireless sets, pack sets, and two-way field radios. 
• Components and Operation: 
  • It comprises a transmitter-receiver unit, an antenna, a loudspeaker-microphone combination, and a push-to-talk button. 
  • The device operates on a single frequency band, allowing it to transmit and receive signals.  
  • To communicate, users press the push-to-talk button, converting their voice into radio waves that are transmitted and received by other devices on the same channel. 
• Applications: 
  • Walkie-talkies are extensively used in emergency services, security, military operations, and various industries like construction and hospitality.  
  • Their ability to function without a mobile network makes them invaluable in areas with poor signal reception. 
  • Modern-day walkie-talkies are much more advanced and now include features such as flashlights, hands-free technology, SOS signals, and weather alerts, in addition to basic communication. 
• Limitations: 
  • Common issues with walkie-talkies include losing coverage due to battery depletion, excessive background noise, privacy concerns, and static during transmission. 

What are Pagers? 

• About:  
  • Pagers, also known as beepers, are wireless devices that receive and display messages.  
  • They were widely used in the 1980s but are still relied upon by specific groups like healthcare and emergency services due to their reliability in low-signal areas. 
• Working: 
  • Pagers operate using radio signals transmitted by towers that can penetrate areas where cellular signals may be weak.  
• Types of Pager: 
  • One-way pagers: Receive messages from a central transmitter but cannot reply. They alert users through beeps or vibrations. 
  • Two-way pagers: Allow users to send and receive messages, though they are still less functional than smartphones. 
• Pagers Application in Covert Operations: 
  • Low Susceptibility to Surveillance: Their lack of Global Positioning System(GPS) and internet connectivity reduces the risk of location tracking. 
  • Difficult to Intercept: The use of radio frequencies makes them harder to monitor than cellular or internet-based devices. 
  • Modifiable for Covert Use: Pagers can be modified to trigger signals for remote detonation or alerts without drawing attention. 
    • Remote detonators, including pagers and other consumer electronics, have been used in various conflicts.  
    • Armed groups have utilized Radio Controlled Improvised Explosive Devices (RCIEDs) to target police stations and government buildings, employing devices that emit weak signals to avoid detection. 
      • RCIED is explosive material integrated with a wireless radio or device that triggers upon receipt of a signal from a second wireless handheld device. 

What is Hezbollah? 

• Hezbollah, meaning "Party of God," is a Shia militia-cum-political party in Lebanon and one of the world's most heavily armed non-state actors, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). 
• It was formed during the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990), largely in response to Israeli invasions of southern Lebanon in 1978 and 1982.  
• Inspired by Iran’s 1979 Islamic revolution, it has received substantial support from Iran and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). 
• It has been designated as a terrorist organisation by countries like the US and Israel.