Türkiye to Enhance Military Communication Security Following Explosions in Lebanon
Ankara, The Gulf Observer: Türkiye is reviewing its security measures for military communication devices following deadly explosions in Lebanon, a Turkish defense ministry official stated on Thursday.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, involved hand-held radios used by Hezbollah, an armed group, detonating across southern Lebanon. This marked the country’s deadliest day since cross-border clashes with Israel began nearly a year ago. The explosions, which came after similar detonations of the group’s pagers a day earlier, have intensified regional tensions and raised concerns over the potential for further escalation.
The Turkish military uses exclusively domestically-produced communication devices, but additional control mechanisms are in place when third-party procurement or production is involved, the official noted. The review is part of Türkiye’s broader effort to enhance security protocols in light of various global conflicts.
“Following each development, whether in our operations, the ongoing war in Ukraine, or this latest incident in Lebanon, we consistently review and develop new measures to safeguard our defense systems,” the official said. The Defense Ministry is currently conducting a detailed examination of the incident, although no further specifics were provided.
The explosions, reportedly triggered by Israeli intelligence planting explosives in 5,000 Hezbollah pagers before they entered Lebanon, have raised alarm over cyber-security vulnerabilities across the region. Iraq’s national security council announced preventive steps to protect against electronic breaches, including heightened security checks on imports and stricter border controls.
On Thursday, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told Anadolu news agency that the government plans to establish an independent cyber-security agency, following a directive from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The agency is expected to be operational “very soon.”
