![[FILE] Debris in a crater after Lebanese army soldiers blew up a communication device in the parking lot of the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC) in Beirut, Lebanon, 18 September 2024. EFE-EPA/FILE/WAEL HAMZEH](https://pre.efe.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/rss-efe1ce4a9b712ded4ee1fdb84ac1081560f9228105fw.jpg)
Tehran, Oct 12 (EFE).- Iran has banned passengers from carrying pagers and walkie-talkies on airplanes, citing security concerns, following deadly explosions involving these devices in Lebanon, which killed dozens and injured thousands.
“To ensure flight safety, passengers in the aviation sector must refrain from carrying electronic communication devices, except for mobile phones. This includes pagers and walkie-talkies,” Civil Aviation Organization spokesman Jafar Yezerlu said, according to IRNA.
The ban applies to both carry-on luggage and cargo hold items.
This measure follows an incident nearly a month ago in Lebanon, where simultaneous explosions of pagers and walkie-talkies killed dozens and injured thousands, including Iran’s ambassador to Beirut, Mojtaba Amani, and members of Hezbollah. The attack was widely blamed on Israel.
The restriction also comes amid heightened tensions surrounding a possible Israeli offensive in retaliation for Iran’s missile attack on Israeli military targets on Oct. 1.
Tehran launched 180 missiles that day, responding to the assassinations of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in July and Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah along with an Iranian Revolutionary Guard commander in Beirut in late September.
While Israel has vowed to retaliate, Iranian officials have warned that any response will be met with even greater force. EFE
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