Heavy exchanges of fire reported on northern border

Maariv International ^ | 5.7.2004 | Yossi Mizrahi and Uri Glikman

[yonif]

Heavy exchanges of fire between IDF forces and the Hezbollah have been reported on the northern border this morning (Friday). Early today, the Hezbollah fired Katyusha rockets, anti-tank missiles and mortar shells at IDF positions in the Mount Dov area. The Hezbollah attack lasted for more than half an hour.

Meanwhile, the army responded with artillery fire and helicopter gunships were dispatched to the area. According to Lebanese sources, IAF fighter jets later attacked Hezbollah positions near four villages in south Lebanon.

This marks the third incident on the northern border in recent days. Two days ago, IDF forces foiled an attempted attack on an army position after detecting two suspicious groups of people moving in the area during early morning hours. The soldiers opened fire at the suspected terrorists, who were approaching the IDF post.

Army officials estimate that the suspected Hezbollah terrorists were planning to infiltrate the position, place an explosive device on the road, or infiltrate into Israel and carry out a terror attack. It is notable that there is no fence separating Israel and Lebanon in this area.