Beirut, Sept 18 (V7N) – Approximately 3,000 Hezbollah fighters and medical personnel were injured, and at least 9 were killed, after a wireless telecommunications device or pager exploded in an incident affecting the Lebanese resistance group Hezbollah. The blast, which occurred in the southern suburbs of Beirut, is believed to have been the result of a remote cyberattack allegedly conducted by Israel, according to intelligence sources.

Tehran-based Press TV and British news agency Reuters confirmed the explosion, which was followed by several others, leading to a high number of casualties. Lebanon's Health Ministry reported that over 2,800 individuals were injured, while the number of fatalities is expected to rise.

Eyewitnesses described multiple explosions, with the first occurring half an hour after the pager incident. Emergency services, including 50 ambulances from the Red Cross, rushed to the scene to aid the injured.

The health ministry has urged medical personnel to stay vigilant as the situation develops. The Iranian ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani, was slightly injured in the blast but is reported to be in stable condition.

Hezbollah has not yet officially commented on the cause of the explosion but has launched an investigation. The group remains on high alert as tensions between Israel and Hezbollah continue to escalate amid the ongoing conflict in the region.

Israel has not made any official statements regarding the incident.

END/AJ/SMA