Ex-CIA director: Pager bombings in Lebanon a form of terrorism

Former CIA Director Leon Panetta has described the recent attacks in Lebanon involving explosive material hidden in wireless communication devices as “a form of terrorism”.

In an interview with the US network CBS News, Panetta said the bombings, which killed scores of civilians and injured thousands more, “are a type of terrorism” and warned that they could lead to further bloodshed.

The ability to place explosives in commonly used technological devices and turn them into tools of a terror war is truly alarming. It’s a new form of warfare

Panetta added.

He went on to say, “I don’t think there’s any doubt that this is terrorism. This directly impacts the supply chain, and when terrorism affects that, people start asking: What’s next?”

When asked if these attacks worry him, Panetta responded, “I’m deeply concerned. This tactic has severe consequences, and we don’t know what they will be. The forces of war are largely in control at the moment. I’m not sure what’s going on.”

A large-scale double attack, on 17 and 18 September, saw the detonation of a large number of walkie-talkies and pagers across Lebanon, killing 37 people – including two children – and wounding about 3,000 others. Israel is thought to be behind the attack, however it has not taken responsibility.

READ: Over 270 killed, hundreds injured in extensive Israel air strikes in Lebanon