Caution, tension prevail in south Lebanon

Tension prevailed on Monday in south Lebanon and the western Bekaa, following Israeli air strikes on populated towns in the Bekaa and south Lebanon.

On Monday, Israeli warplanes bombarded Lebanese towns adjacent to the lines of confrontation in the south Lebanon and west Bekaa areas. Lebanese security sources reported that Israeli occupation troops stormed several areas in the eastern and central sectors of south Lebanon.

Israeli jets carried out five raids that covered all areas of south Lebanon and the northern and eastern part of the Bekaa. Earlier in the day, the Israeli warplanes continued violations of Lebanese airspace as they flew intensive sorties over the capital, Beirut, breaking the sound barrier twice. Lebanese security sources said the Israeli warplanes also broke the sound barrier over the central sector areas in south Lebanon.

Meanwhile, Lebanese security sources said the Israeli gun boats fired heavy machine gun shots against Lebanese fishermen off Tyre coast.

Semi-curfews are imposed on schools and main crossings were closed.

Intensified military movements by the Israeli occupation troops and their South Lebanon Army militia allies were repeatedly observed in the occupied zone of south Lebanon.

In another development, the Israeli military authorities ordered Israeli settlers along the borders with Lebanon to remain inside underground refuge. At the Meantime, the Israeli and war-planes continued to shell and raid Lebanese territories.