Lebanese authorities have imposed a ban on walkie-talkies and pagers being taken on flights from Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY), following a deadly attack that resulted in the explosion of thousands of such devices earlier this week. The National News Agency (NNA) reported the new directive on Thursday.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has instructed airlines operating out of Beirut to inform passengers that these communication devices are prohibited from being carried in both checked and carry-on luggage. The ban extends to cargo as well and will remain in place until further notice. The DGCA’s decision comes after at least 37 people were killed and more than 3,000 wounded in two consecutive explosions involving pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah.

Qatar Airways, one of the airlines affected by the directive, issued a statement confirming the ban. “Following the directive received from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation of the Republic of Lebanon, all passengers flying from Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) are prohibited from carrying pagers and walkie-talkies on board flights,” the airline stated on social media. The ban applies to all luggage types, as well as cargo shipments.

The Lebanese army announced on Thursday that it had begun conducting controlled explosions of suspicious telecom devices, urging citizens to report any suspicious items. This measure comes amid heightened tensions along the Lebanese-Israeli border, where Hezbollah and Israel have been exchanging fire for nearly a year. While Hezbollah and the Lebanese government have blamed Israel for the recent attacks, Israel has not claimed responsibility.

The ban on communication devices follows a period of escalating conflict, with the Gaza war acting as a catalyst for hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel. The Lebanese authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely.