Beirut, Lebanon – Manuel Ricardo Torres, a terrorism expert, reflects on the unfolding crisis in Lebanon where ordinary devices have turned deadly. In a world where mobile phones and walkie-talkies are essential tools for connection, recent attacks have weaponized these everyday gadgets, spreading not only destruction but a deep, unsettling fear among civilians and Hezbollah operatives alike.
“After such traumatic events,” Torres explains, “one begins to distrust anything connected, whether it’s a phone, a radio, or even a simple personal device.” Born in Jaén, Spain, Torres has spent decades studying the dark psychology of terror. Now a professor at the University of Pablo de Olavide in Sevilla, his research into terrorist groups like Hezbollah sheds light on the profound effects these attacks have, not just on infrastructure but on the human spirit.
Devices Become Symbols of Fear
The devices used in the recent attacks—once symbols of connection—are now triggers of fear. Physically manipulated to carry explosives, they have transformed everyday objects into deadly threats. “It’s not just the direct casualties that count,” Torres emphasizes. “The psychological toll is massive. Suddenly, anything around you could be an enemy’s tool, and that makes Hezbollah vulnerable.”
Hezbollah, a pro-Iranian group deeply embedded in Lebanon’s political and military framework, is feeling the ripple effects of these technology-based attacks. With key members rendered incapacitated and surviving operatives plunged into paranoia, their ability to communicate, organize, or retaliate has been critically impaired.
“Their infrastructure,” Torres continues, “is now fragile, defended by fewer hands, and crippled by uncertainty.” This vulnerability poses significant challenges as they face not only the physical damage but a collapse in trust within their own ranks.
Hezbollah’s Struggle with Technology in the Face of Attack
Hezbollah’s reliance on modern communications has always been a double-edged sword. On the one hand, growing an organization to thousands requires bureaucratized systems, from encrypted phone calls to complex networks of communication devices. But now, these very tools expose them to risk.
“For a group like Hezbollah, the need for modern technology is essential, but it’s also their biggest weakness,” Torres explains. “Without these devices, they can’t operate on a large scale. But with every new gadget comes a risk—who knows what might be hiding inside?”
As Torres describes, personal gadgets are no longer seen as mere objects of convenience. Instead, they represent the delicate balance between control and vulnerability. “It’s a paradox that every large terror organization must face,” he says. “The more they grow, the more they depend on technology, and the more they expose themselves to these kinds of targeted attacks.”
The Psychological Impact of Technology-Driven Terrorism
For Hezbollah, the psychological fallout has been just as damaging as the physical attacks. “When trauma strikes this hard,” Torres reflects, “trust evaporates. It becomes difficult to rely on anything except face-to-face interactions.” For an organization operating across multiple locations, this distrust is a massive hindrance.
Israel has employed these device-based attacks before, notably in the assassination of Hamas’ bombmaker Yehie Ayash in 1996, when a rigged mobile phone took his life. “The recent attacks in Lebanon are similar in technique but executed on a much larger scale,” says Torres, noting how Israel’s tactics have evolved. The difference now is the mass implementation of this strategy, causing widespread chaos among Hezbollah’s ranks.
Global Repercussions and Safety Concerns
As these events unfold, the global community is watching with cautious eyes. The use of personal devices as weapons raises questions about the security of supply chains and infrastructure in regions far beyond the Middle East.
Torres reassures, “We shouldn’t be swept into a state of mass paranoia. The recent attacks have targeted specific individuals using customized devices. It’s not like everyday gadgets are turning into bombs out of the blue. But it’s a wake-up call. Governments and organizations need to rethink how they protect these technologies from manipulation.”
Moving Forward: Adapting to New Threats
What can be done to prevent further incidents? According to Torres, the key lies in swift adaptation. “It’s a game of cat and mouse,” he says. “Terrorist organizations innovate to stay ahead of security measures, and we must remain just as dynamic.”
The battle, as Torres sees it, is ongoing. New technologies will always emerge, and with them, new vulnerabilities. Yet in this dynamic field, the only certainty is the need for constant vigilance. “We can’t afford to wait until it’s too late,” Torres warns. “We need to act as soon as we detect a threat, adjusting our strategies to stay one step ahead. It’s a race we can’t lose.”
Conclusion: A Constant Struggle for Control
As Hezbollah faces the aftermath of these attacks, their once-powerful infrastructure now seems fragile and vulnerable. In a world where technology can so easily be turned into a weapon, the fear runs deep—not just for those in direct conflict, but for all who rely on modern devices to stay connected.
Torres’ insights remind us that the fight against terrorism is ever-evolving. It’s a battle not only for territory and power but for the very tools we once believed kept us safe.
