A Lebanese telecoms company recently reported detecting a significant influx of automated calls, totaling 80,000, on a single day. These calls were found to be originating from numbers that concealed their true location, prompting individuals to evacuate their residences. Ogero, the telecoms company in question, disclosed that these calls were received nationwide, with a particular concentration in the southern region of Lebanon. However, calls were also noted in the northern areas, the Beqaa Valley, and even in the capital city of Beirut.
Furthermore, reports emerged of Lebanese citizens receiving text messages instructing them to evacuate promptly. The national news agency, NNA, confirmed these messages were circulated among residents in Beirut and various other regions of the country. The nature of these communications, urging evacuation, raised concerns and led to heightened vigilance among the populace.
The CEO of Ogero, Imad Kreidieh, emphasized the widespread distribution of these calls and the diverse geographic areas they targeted. The random dissemination of these automated messages across Lebanon underscored the scale and reach of this unusual communication campaign. The incident prompted authorities to investigate the source and purpose behind these calls and messages, as they disrupted normalcy and instilled a sense of urgency among the recipients.
As the situation unfolds, Lebanese officials are working to address the implications of these mass communications and ensure the safety and well-being of the population. The coordinated response from telecommunications companies, government agencies, and law enforcement is crucial in managing such incidents and safeguarding public security.