New Delhi: Japanese company ICOM has refused to confirm that the walkie-talkie devices involved in explosions in Lebanon were official ICOM products. The radio equipment maker said these devices have been out of production since 2014. Also, the batteries used to operate the devices were discontinued a decade ago.
The labels on the damaged walkie-talkies read ‘ICOM’ and ‘Made in Japan,’ suggesting their Japanese origin.
Japanese radio equipment maker ICOM Inc. stated that it cannot confirm whether the walkie-talkies reportedly involved in explosions in Lebanon were shipped by the company. ICOM, however, said it was investigating reports that walkie-talkie devices bearing its logo exploded in Lebanon. It said it would provide updates on its website when more information is available.
In the second round of explosions in which walkie-talkie devices were used in Hezbollah-controlled areas in Lebanon, 20 people were killed and over 450 wounded.
A day earlier, hundreds of pager devices exploded, causing 12 deaths including two children and inuring over 2800 across Lebanon.
Israel has not yet commented on the recent back-to-back explosions, but Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has declared the beginning of a “new phase” in the conflict. Addressing Israeli troops on Wednesday, Gallant stated, “We are at the start of a new phase in the war. It demands courage, determination, and perseverance.”