Thousands injured after Hezbollah pagers explode

Thousands of people have been injured and at least nine injured after pagers used by Hezbollah exploded across Lebanon.

It is believed nine people have been killed and around 2,800 injured, many seriously.

The BBC reported that the explosions began in Beirut and other areas of the country around 15:45 on Tuesday, with witnesses reporting smoke coming from people's pockets and small explosions that sounded like fireworks or gunshots. Explosions continued for around an hour.

The New York Times, citing American officials, reported that the pagers had received messages that seems to have come from the group's leadership and this is what triggered the devices.

At this time, it is unclear what caused the pagers to explode, with some suggested a hack caused them to overheat and others suggested a supply chain attack in which the pagers were tampered with during their manufacture or transit.

Reuters, citing a Lebanese security official, reported that around 5,000 pagers were brought into the country about five months ago. The pagers were made by a Taiwan-based company, called Gold Apollo. The pagers wirelessly receive and display text messages but cannot make telephone calls.

Reuters also quoted sources saying that up to three grams of explosives were hidden in the pagers and they exploded after a coded message was sent to them.

No one has yet claimed responsibility for the attack, though Hezbollah is blaming Israel. Israel has not commented.

Hezbollah has vowed to retaliate against Israel.

Many international airlines have cancelled flights to the region over security concerns.