It was audacious in its conception and brilliant in its execution. Thousands of pagers distributed to Hezbollah operatives had been intercepted and modified so that small amounts of explosives detonated in individuals’ hands, pockets or locations nearby. The damage inflicted was on an unprecedented scale. The impact of thousands of small tactical devices achieved a strategic effect.

Lebanon’s health ministry said 20 people were killed and 450 injured in Wednesday’s blasts. Tuesday’s explosions killed 12 people, including two children, and injured nearly 3000 Lebanese Health Minister Firass Abiad said on Wednesday.

Hezbollah fighters carry the coffin of a person killed by an exploding pager in Beirut, Lebanon.Credit: AP

There are numerous unanswered questions about what the operation means. One thig is clear: it is a........

© The Sydney Morning Herald