Iran’s Guards ban communication devices after Hezbollah pager attacks, report says
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has prohibited its members from using any communication devices following the recent detonation of pagers across Lebanon, Reuters .
IRGC, also known as the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, is a powerful military group tied to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The group is recognized as a terrorist organization by multiple countries, including the U.S.
Communication devices used by Hezbollah members exploded in Lebanon on Tuesday and Wednesday last week. Thousands were wounded and at least 22 killed as a result of both attacks.
On Thursday, the Israeli military said it began striking Hezbollah "targets" in Lebanon to degrade the group's infrastructure and "terrorist capabilities."
The IRGC is now reportedly working to inspect all its equipment, not just communication devices, for evidence of explosives. Iran is also investigating personnel for Iranians who may have infiltrated the group on behalf of Israel, Reuters wrote.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., on Friday announced her office was vandalized following her remarks on the Lebanon pager attacks. "Blood-splattered" signs accusing Rep. Ocasio-Cortez of "supporting terrorism" were brought to the office Thursday, according to the representative.
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The representative attributed the incident to her remarks on the attacks. On Wednesday, she wrote that the pager attacks appeared to violate international law.
"This attack clearly and unequivocally violates international humanitarian law and undermines US efforts to prevent a wider conflict," Rep. Ocasio-Cortez wrote. "Congress needs a full accounting of the attack, including an answer from the State Department as to whether any US assistance went into the development or deployment of this technology."
The Biden-Harris administration on Wednesday had little to say in response to the attacks. White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby said during a press briefing that the U.S. was not involved in either attack.
"What I can tell you is we were not involved in yesterday's incidents or today's in any way, and I don't have anything more to share," he said.
When pressed by a reporter, Kirby would not elaborate as to whether Israel alerted the U.S. to the operations.
