ADAISSEH, Lebanon, Aug 3 (Reuters) - Israeli and Lebanese troops fought a rare cross-border skirmish on Tuesday that killed four Lebanese and a senior Israeli officer in the most serious violence along the frontier since a 2006 war.
The Iranian-and Syrian-backed Hezbollah group, which battled Israel in the war four years ago, took no part in the exchange of fire. There was no sign of any extensive Israeli preparations for a large-scale operation; an early indication the clash might not trigger a wider conflict.
Security sources and witnesses said the situation has clamed down but tension remained high.
Israel's northern military commander said he did not believe Tuesday's clashes would lead to further violence.
"A patrol for the Israeli enemy crossed the technical line on the border ... even though the UNIFIL interfered trying to stop it, it continued its crossing," the Lebanese army said in a statement.
"A Lebanese army force then repelled it using rocket propelled grenades. A clash happened in which the enemy forces used machine guns and tank fire targeting army posts and civilian houses," it said, adding casualties were reported.
The Israeli military said the dead officer was a battalion commander with the rank of lieutenant-colonel.
Some Very Recent Photos of the Fighting; Just Scroll Down
The Iranian-and Syrian-backed Hezbollah group, which battled Israel in the war four years ago, took no part in the exchange of fire. There was no sign of any extensive Israeli preparations for a large-scale operation; an early indication the clash might not trigger a wider conflict.
Security sources and witnesses said the situation has clamed down but tension remained high.
Israel's northern military commander said he did not believe Tuesday's clashes would lead to further violence.
"A patrol for the Israeli enemy crossed the technical line on the border ... even though the UNIFIL interfered trying to stop it, it continued its crossing," the Lebanese army said in a statement.
"A Lebanese army force then repelled it using rocket propelled grenades. A clash happened in which the enemy forces used machine guns and tank fire targeting army posts and civilian houses," it said, adding casualties were reported.
The Israeli military said the dead officer was a battalion commander with the rank of lieutenant-colonel.
Some Very Recent Photos of the Fighting; Just Scroll Down
No comments:
Post a Comment