Japanese electronics company Icom has announced an investigation into reports that its branded two-way radios exploded in Lebanon.
In a statement, the company said, “We will provide updated information on our website as the investigation progresses.”
On Wednesday, handheld communication devices used by Hezbollah fighters exploded in southern Lebanon, marking the deadliest day since cross-border tensions between Hezbollah and Israel began almost a year ago. This incident occurred just a day after similar explosions targeted wireless communication devices, known as pagers, used by Hezbollah.
The explosions have raised concerns about the safety of these communication devices. According to Lebanon’s Ministry of Health, Wednesday’s blasts killed 20 people and injured more than 450. Tuesday’s explosions also resulted in 12 deaths, including two children, and left nearly 3,000 people injured.
While Israeli officials have not commented on the explosions, security sources suggest that Mossad was behind the attacks. A Hezbollah official called the incident “the largest security breach in the group’s history.”
These incidents, which appear to have thrown Hezbollah into disarray, coincide with Israel’s ongoing 11-month-long war in Gaza, heightening fears of a broader regional conflict along Lebanon’s southern border.
