Katyusha attack launched on Israeli positions in zone
Lebanon, Military, 8/7/1997

More than 50 Katyusha rockets launched from Nabatieh crashed into the occupation zone late on August 6 with some falling a short distance from the border. The apparent targets were Israeli positions at Blat, Houla and Birket Richa.

The strike was confirmed by security sources in Marjayoun. It was not immediately known if there were any casualties in the missile attack, for which Hizbullah claimed responsibility in a statement issued in Tyre.

The salvo came hours after France lent its weight to the barrage of criticism against Israel¹s recent attacks on the south by "deploring" the violence perpetrated against civilians.

The French remarks were in response to the killing of two shepherds and the wounding of four civilians in an Israeli missile strike in Bekaa on August 5. The day before, a commando unit planted three roadside bombs that killed five Hizbullah guerrillas and injured five civilians.

Israel responded swiftly to the criticism, saying the Hizbullah deaths were legitimate.

Israel¹s foreign minister released a statement claiming its activities in Southern Lebanon are aimed at Hizbullah, and no one else.

But Israel¹s August 6 defense of its policies in the South was frowned on by government and clerical officials, who roundly condemned Israel for increasing tensions in the area.

Meanwhile the South Lebanon Army¹s Voice of the South radio station reported, "Israel¹s officer for Lebanon, Elie Amitai warned Hizbullah not to set up its operation."

Amitai said, "Neither Israel or the SLA are prepared to leave the area, as long as there is no one from the other side who wants to negotiate."

The US ambassador to Lebanon said describing the recent events in the south of Lebanon as a terrible tragedy.

"My heart goes out to the families of the people involved," he said.

Previous Stories:
  Hizbullah leader promises attacks on Israeli occupation   (8/6/1997)
  Five Hizbullah fighters killed by Israeli forces   (8/5/1997)
  South Lebanese Army bombards villages in south Lebanon   (8/1/1997)

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