Basra Operations Command refutes mobile phone explosion rumors linked to Lebanon pager blasts

BASRA — The Basra Operations Command has denied social media claims warning Iraqis against opening links related to recent pager explosions in Lebanon, which allegedly could cause mobile phones to explode.

Saadiq Raheef, director of public relations for Basra Operations, dismissed the rumors, stating, “The Operations Command denies what has been circulated by some news outlets claiming that we have issued instructions warning citizens against opening certain links, alleging they could cause mobile phones to explode.” He clarified that no such warnings originated from the command, calling the claims baseless.

Raheef stressed that the command is not responsible for these false claims, which were made by individuals outside the authorized media office. He reiterated that he is the sole spokesperson for Basra Operations.

The rumors began following a series of explosions on Sept. 17 and 18 involving pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah members in Lebanon, which killed at least 39 people and injured nearly 3,000. While Israel expanded its Gaza war aims to include securing its northern front with Lebanon, it has not claimed responsibility for the blasts. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah vowed Israel would face “tough retribution and just punishment.”

On Sept. 20, an Israeli airstrike targeted Beirut, killing 16 Hezbollah fighters, including the commander of its elite Radwan Force. Lebanon’s health ministry reported 45 civilian casualties from the strike, further escalating tensions in the region. Cross-border violence between Hezbollah and Israel has intensified in recent days, raising international concerns about a potential full-scale war.