A Lebanese security official says a small bomb has exploded near a car in a Hezbollah stronghold south of the Lebanese capital, Beirut.

It was not immediately clear whether there were any casualties from the blast in the Hay el-Sellom district or what was being targeted.

The Hezbollah-owned Al Manar TV said two people were wounded in the Monday night explosion.

The security official said the bomb exploded near an office belonging to the Shiite Muslim Amal militia, which is a rival of the militant Hezbollah group. Militiamen in the area opened fire following the blast, causing panic among residents.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations.