First, there were the pagers of hundreds of Hezbollah members that exploded. Then came the portable radios, and there were also reports of explosions in solar panels.
As a result, dozens of people were killed and thousands more injured.
Equally significant is that Lebanon is now gripped by a climate of fear, as no one knows where or how the next explosion might occur.
Israel has not officially claimed responsibility and is unlikely to do so.
However, the fact that Israeli officials are praising the army and security services for their “impressive work,” without specifying anything concrete, and the fact that the US quickly declared they were not involved and were informed at the last moment, leaves little doubt about who is behind the explosions.
It’s truly terrifying how anything can now be turned into a weapon.
For some time, experts have warned that the interconnectedness we experience makes us extremely vulnerable.
This was demonstrated this past summer when a Microsoft software update glitch caused a global digital blackout, affecting dozens of businesses and essential services.
So, if a glitch can cause so much damage and disruption, what could happen in the case of a planned, well-coordinated attack?
It’s not just that an explosion at, say, a telecommunications hub or a power plant could paralyse our lives.
It’s primarily the fact that most of the devices we use in our daily lives can be turned against us.
Our smart fridge, smart car, and smart TV can be hacked and used maliciously, whether easily or with some difficulty.
As demonstrated by the explosions targetting Hezbollah, a return to traditional communication methods is not the answer. There will always be vulnerabilities, as complete disconnection from modern technology is impossible.
Despite using older technology, Israel found a way to trigger explosions in the Shiite organisation’s devices at the exact time it wanted.
In the event of a modern cyberwar, it’s likely that nothing can save us. Those with the technology and the means hold the upper hand, even when the opposing side is theoretically superior militarily.
Of course, this unprecedented attack on Hezbollah raises legal questions about whether cyberwarfare complies with international law.
But these are minor details in the grand scheme of things, as it’s well known that in love and war, all is fair.
