Investigation Launched into Bulgarian Company's Possible Role in Hezbollah Explosions
Bulgarian authorities have initiated an investigation into a Sofia-based company, Norta Global, following the devastating explosions of pagers used by Hezbollah militants in Lebanon. The explosions, which occurred on September 17, resulted in at least 12 fatalities and nearly 3,000 injuries, raising serious concerns about the supply chain of these devices. The National Security Agency (DANS) confirmed that checks are underway with tax authorities and the Interior Ministry to ascertain any potential involvement of Norta Global in supplying communications equipment to Hezbollah. However, DANS has stated that there were no recorded customs checks for the goods, suggesting they may have entered the European Union legally.
The investigation was prompted by a report from the Hungarian website Telex, which cited anonymous sources alleging that Norta Global imported the pagers and facilitated their delivery to Hezbollah. In response, the Taiwanese company Gold Apollo, which licensed its brand name for the devices, denied responsibility for the manufacturing, placing the blame on its Hungarian partner, BAC Consulting. Gold Apollo emphasized that BAC is solely responsible for the design and production of the pagers, which are believed to have been rigged with explosives before delivery.
The Deadly Consequences of the Pager Explosions
The explosions of the AR-924 pagers, which Hezbollah militants had been using to evade Israeli surveillance, have been characterized as a sophisticated remote attack. Reports indicate that small amounts of explosives were hidden in the devices, leading to simultaneous detonations that caused chaos and devastation. The attacks have heightened tensions in the region, with Hezbollah blaming Israel for the incident, while Israeli officials have acknowledged that the operation was conducted in coordination with U.S. intelligence.
Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, has vowed to continue attacks on Israel, linking the explosions to the ongoing conflict that has escalated since the Hamas-led attack on Israel. The Lebanese Health Ministry reported that many of the injured suffered serious wounds, including amputations and severe eye injuries. In response to the humanitarian crisis, neighboring countries like Turkey and Iraq have offered medical assistance, with an Iraqi military plane delivering supplies to Beirut.
This tragic event underscores the vulnerabilities in communication technology, as devices once intended for discreet messaging transformed into lethal weapons. The investigation into the companies involved is ongoing, as authorities seek to unravel the complex web of responsibility surrounding this incident.
