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Walkie-talkie devices that exploded are discontinued Japanese models, Lebanon’s communications ministry says
From CNN’s Avery Schmitz, Hamdi Alkhshali and Gianluca Mezzofiore
Exploded walkie-talkies in Lebanon on September 18.
Obtained by CNN
Lebanon’s communications ministry said the
walkie-talkie devices that exploded on Wednesday were a discontinued model made by the Japanese firm ICOM.
The IC-V82 radios were not supplied by a recognized agent, were not officially licensed and had not been vetted by the security services, the ministry said.
ICOM has not responded to a CNN’s request for comment. On its website it says the IC-V82 has been discontinued, and almost all models in current circulation are counterfeit.
Photos circulating on social media Wednesday, claiming to show some of the exploded devices, bear markings consistent with the IC-V82, a CNN analysis found.