What is a walkie-talkie? Device linked to round 2 of fatal explosions in Lebanon

A walkie-talkie is a portable two-way radio that allows users to communicate wirelessly over short distances. These devices operate on specific radio frequencies and are used in various sectors like emergency services, construction, and military operations.
They are known for their simplicity, allowing users to both transmit and receive messages using a single channel.Invented in the 1930s, walkie-talkies have become indispensable in situations where cell signals are unreliable, such as remote areas or work sites.
Deadly connection in Lebanon tragedy
The blasts struck in Lebanon on Wednesday when hand-held radios, suspected to be walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah, detonated across the country's southern regions, including the southern suburbs of Beirut. The explosions resulted in several casualties and injuries.
One of the explosions occurred near a funeral held for those killed in a similar blast the previous day. Thousands of pagers used by Hezbollah were rigged with explosives, reportedly by Israel's Mossad agency, which led to the detonation. These pagers, planted months earlier, detonated simultaneously, causing mass casualties. The blasts that occured in Tuesday injured nearly 3,000 people, many of whom were members of Hezbollah.
Hezbollah's response
Following the explosions, Hezbollah launched retaliatory rocket strikes on Israeli artillery positions, marking a significant escalation in the region. This conflict raised concerns of a wider war in the Middle East, as tensions between Hezbollah and Israel have long been fraught.
What are pagers?
Pagers, also known as beepers, are wireless telecommunications devices that receive and display alphanumeric or voice messages.They were widely used in the 1980s but are still relied upon by specific groups, such as medical professionals. In Lebanon, Hezbollah members have also utilized pagers for internal communication, particularly due to their less traceable nature compared to cell phones.