New Delhi: In the wake of recent pager attacks in Lebanon, Qatar Airways banned flyers travelling from Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) in Lebanon from carrying pagers and walkie-talkies on the flights. The restriction, announced on Thursday, is applicable for both check-in and carry-on luggage, as well as cargo.
The airlines announced that such restriction would be in place until further notice. “Effective immediately: As per the directive from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation of the Republic of Lebanon, all passengers flying from Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) are prohibited from carrying pagers and walkie-talkies on board. This restriction covers checked and carry-on luggage, along with cargo, and will be enforced until further notice,” the airlines wrote on X.
On Wednesday, several walkie-talkies and pagers exploded in Lebanon, killing at least 20 people and leaving over 450 injured, according to reports. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had announced that they had initiated targeted strikes against Hezbollah’s ‘terrorist capabilities’ and infrastructure in Lebanon.
#BREAKING : According to sources today’s explosions were more powerful and related to radio devices and mobile phones after their batteries suddenly heated up.#pagers #Pager #PagerExplosions #Pagerblast #PagerAttacks #pager #Beirut #Hezbollah #Lebanon #Israel #mosad… pic.twitter.com/RYdsQU9x3U
— upuknews (@upuknews1) September 18, 2024
‘Israel’s new phase of war in Lebanon’
“We are currently striking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon to diminish their terrorist capabilities and infrastructure. For decades, Hezbollah has exploited civilian homes, constructed tunnels beneath them, and used civilians as human shields, transforming southern Lebanon into a conflict zone. The IDF’s operations aim to restore security to northern Israel, enabling residents to return home and achieve our military goals,” the IDF wrote on X.
Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant had also announced that a ‘new phase’ in the war was to commence, highlighting a focus on the northern front.
“We are entering a new phase in the war—allocating resources and forces to the northern arena. Our mission is clear: to ensure the safe return of communities in northern Israel to their homes. To achieve this, we must alter the security situation,” he wrote on X.
Following the pager attacks, numerous ambulance crews from the Lebanese Red Cross were engaged in rescue operations and evacuations, reports stated.