Explosive threats emerge from electronic devices after pager bombs in Lebanon

Recent events in Lebanon have raised alarm over the increasing dangers posed by electronic communication devices. In the past week, several pager devices and walkie-talkies exploded, prompting concerns about the potential weaponization of everyday electronic gadgets.

Experts are now warning of the possible transformation of electric cars, smartphones, and even kitchen appliances into lethal weapons.

A significant development in this crisis is the growing threat of electric cars. According to Brigadier General Samir Ragheb, a strategic expert from Egypt, these vehicles could become “moving time bombs.” Ragheb has issued a stark warning that, if targeted during conflicts or political violence, smart electric cars could cause devastating destruction.

The strategic analyst detailed how the large lithium batteries in electric cars could prove to be deadly if they are tampered with. Ragheb pointed out that a pager battery weighs around 70 grams, but the battery in an electric car can be up to 600 times larger. The sheer size and capacity of these batteries could lead to catastrophic explosions if they are manipulated in the same manner as pager bombs.

Hackers Could Exploit Vulnerabilities in Smart Devices

The possibility of smart devices being hacked has become an increasing concern. Brigadier General Ragheb explained that with advancements in technology, smart devices and electric cars can easily be hacked through satellite or internet connections. This would allow a malicious actor to remotely increase the load on a car’s battery, overheating it and causing it to explode.

What’s even more alarming is that these attacks can be executed with just a click of a button. Ragheb suggested that political targets or sensitive installations in various countries could be remotely sabotaged through such methods. A remote-controlled explosion from an electric car, for instance, could lead to widespread damage, affecting not only the vehicle but also nearby pedestrians, other cars, and even adjacent buildings.

Lithium batteries, commonly used in both pagers and electric cars, have been highlighted as a particular risk. These batteries, though highly efficient, are also prone to exploding if they are overloaded. Unlike other explosive devices, these batteries do not need to be manually prepared for detonation—simply overheating them can trigger a massive explosion.

Ragheb’s warning extends to the global community, as electric cars have become increasingly popular worldwide. Many car manufacturers are competing to enhance battery life and extend the driving range of electric vehicles. These improvements, while aimed at providing greater convenience to consumers, have also made these cars more vulnerable to cyber-attacks.

As companies race to develop better battery technology, the concern about the safety of these vehicles continues to grow. The very features that make electric cars desirable, such as their internet connectivity and powerful batteries, also make them susceptible to being hacked and used as weapons.

The rise in smart electric cars brings many advantages, but the danger they pose, particularly in conflict zones, should not be ignored. Experts like Brigadier General Ragheb are calling for greater awareness and stricter safety measures to prevent these vehicles from being turned into deadly tools. If left unaddressed, the vulnerability of smart devices could lead to devastating consequences in countries already grappling with political instability.