Türkiye to enhance security of communication devices after pager explosions

In the wake of deadly explosions in Lebanon involving Hezbollah’s communication devices, Türkiye is strengthening security protocols for its own military equipment, a Turkish defense ministry official announced on Thursday.

The hand-held radios used by Hezbollah were detonated remotely on Wednesday, marking Lebanon’s deadliest day since cross-border tensions with Israel began nearly a year ago. The explosions also followed similar incidents involving the group’s pagers the day before, raising alarms across the region.

Türkiye reviewing security measures

The Turkish military exclusively uses domestically-produced communication devices, but according to the official, additional control mechanisms are in place when third parties are involved in procurement or production.

“Whether in the operations we carry out, the ongoing war in Ukraine, or as seen in the Lebanon incident, we review and develop new measures based on lessons learned from each situation,” the official stated.

The official also confirmed that the Turkish Ministry of Defense is conducting a thorough examination of its systems following the Lebanon blasts, though specific details were not disclosed.

Rising concerns over cybersecurity

The explosions in Lebanon, reportedly triggered by Israeli intelligence, have intensified concerns about regional cybersecurity. Sources indicated that Israeli operatives planted explosives in 5,000 pagers ordered by Hezbollah, detonating them remotely.

The incident has sparked wider worries across the Middle East about the security of communication devices and electronic imports. In Iraq, the national security council announced that it would implement stricter security checks on imported electronic devices to prevent any potential breaches.

Türkiye to establish independent cybersecurity agency

On Thursday, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan spoke with Anadolu Agency, confirming that the government is considering establishing an independent agency for cyber-security.

This move follows President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s call for more robust measures in the cyber domain. Fidan stated that the agency would be created “very soon.”