Snowden calls Israeli pager attack 'Indistinguishable from terrorism'
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An Israeli cyber attack caused the detonation of hundreds of pagers, resulting in mass casualties across several regions in Lebanon, including Beirut, Bekaa, and the south.
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Former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden, center speaks via video conference to people in the Johns Hopkins University auditorium. (Undated, AP)
In a series of recent tweets, former US intelligence contractor and whistle-blower Edward Snowden has sharply criticized 'Israel' following a series of beeper explosions in Lebanon, describing the actions as "reckless" and comparable to terrorism.
Lebanese Health Minister Firass Abiad has confirmed that 9 martyrs have been killed so far as a result of the explosion of pagers on Tuesday, noting that 2,750 people were injured, including about 200 in critical condition, in 100 hospitals.
An Israeli cyber attack caused the detonation of hundreds of pagers, resulting in mass casualties across several regions in Lebanon, including Beirut, Bekaa, and the south.
Abiad detailed in a press conference that the majority of injuries, in the initial tally he announced, were in the face, eyes, hand, or abdomen.
What Israel has just done is, via *any* method, reckless. They blew up countless numbers of people who were driving (meaning cars out of control), shopping (your children are in the stroller standing behind him in the checkout line), et cetera. Indistinguishable from terrorism. https://t.co/th4fYwa0jr
— Edward Snowden (@Snowden) September 17, 2024
Snowden's tweets highlighted the severity of the situation detailing that "What Israel has just done is, via any method, reckless. They blew up countless numbers of people who were driving (meaning cars out of control), shopping (your children are in the stroller standing behind him in the checkout line), et cetera. Indistinguishable from terrorism."
He also suggested that the pattern of injuries—consistently severe and widespread—points to the use of planted explosives rather than accidental malfunctions. "As information comes in about the exploding beepers in Lebanon, it seems now more likely than not to be implanted explosives, not a hack. Why? Too many consistent, very serious injuries. If it were overheated batteries exploding, you'd expect many more small fires & misfires."
Hezbollah vows to respond to 'Israel' for pager cyber attack
The Islamic Resistance in Lebanon - Hezbollah - held the Israeli occupation fully responsible for the treacherous aggression caused by the cyber attack after obtaining results of its probe, as well as examining available data, regarding the pager detonations earlier today.
In a new statement, Hezbollah confirmed that "Israel" was behind the cyber attack on Lebanon, which left hundreds injured, and caused several fatalities across the country.
The Lebanese Resistance affirmed that the martyrs and injuries inspire the struggle on the path of al-Quds and champion the people of Gaza and the West Bank, as well as extend the continued field support [on the northern front] as a means to back the Palestinian Resistance.
Hezbollah vowed to respond to the Israeli aggression in ways and at times the occupation cannot estimate or anticipate.
"The treacherous and criminal enemy will undoubtedly face its just punishment for this heinous attack, in ways both expected and unforeseen," the statement read.
Earlier, the Resistance confirmed that a 10-year-old girl and two of its members were killed in the explosions. Lebanon's Health Minister also announced that eight individuals were killed and 2750 were injured, 200 of whom are in critical condition, across 100 hospitals.
