Major IDF op underway in Bekaa Valley (Northern Lebanon)

Jerusalem Post ^ | 08/01/06 | JPost staff

[mojito]

Lebanese army and security officials said Tuesday night that a major IDF operation was underway against suspected Hizbullah positions near Baalbeek in eastern Lebanon's Bekaa Valley, with one officer saying the IAF presence in the air above the ancient city was "unprecedented."

The operation began with at least five rapid air strikes.

"The extreme, unprecedented number of aircraft indicates the possibility that the Israelis are planning to land troops, but we cannot yet confirm that," said one security official.

Flares held aloft by parachutes lighted the night sky to a daytime brilliance, the official said.

Hizbullah's al-Manar television said IAF helicopters were taking heavy guerrilla fire but had not landed any commandos.

Israeli helicopters also attacked a target 15 kilometers west of Baalbek, starting a huge fire, witnesses said.

Earlier Tuesday, the IAF struck three Hizbullah bunkers in the western zone of southern Lebanon.

Warplanes also hit Hizbullah fighters battling with soldiers near the border as the guerrillas fired mortars into Israel.

[mojito]

More details on this breaking story. Can anyone say "pincer movement"?

[GeronL]

There is a pretty long thread already about this.. I am sure someone has a link...

is the IDF going after Saddam's WMD?

[fso301]

From Haaretz

[garbageseeker]

Maybe they will find Saddam's hidden chemical weapons that is supposedly there. It is good that they are draining the swamp.

[Perdogg]

Let's hope so.

[My2Cents]

is the IDF going after Saddam's WMD?

The bigger question is, if they find them, will it be reported by ABC/CBS/NBC/MSNBC/NYT/WaPo/Reuters/AP?

[elhombrelibre]

I'm sure they've some strategic targets in mind, and the IDF forces Hezbollah to move to protect and to defend those things the IDF is attacking. Hezbollah cannot face south alone and await its attackers. We may see more razzle dazzle as this goes on. Obviously, the IDF soldiers that far inside Lebanon are on a very risky mission.

[EQAndyBuzz]

Someone mentioned on day one that there will eventually be the hanmmer and the anvil.

I believe the hammer just landed.

[Bigh4u2]

"the IAF presence in the air above the ancient city was "unprecedented."

Would loved to have seen it!

[Hadean]

Report: IAF planes flying over Beirut

Lebanese television station NTV reported that Israeli Air Force planes were circling over Beirut. No air strikes in the area were reported.

Earlier Lebanese security sources said the air force landed troops in Baalbeck in the Bekaa Valley. The IDF has not responded to the report. (Roee Nahmias)

(08.02.06, 00:43) http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3284956,00.html

[GeronL]

Maybe Saddams WMD will secretly become Israeli WMD's??

conspiracy territory now.

[flynmudd]

We can only hope the Israelis find the WMD and blow it up and Syria ceases to exist.

[GeronL]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1675942/posts

older thread but still running

[fso301]

Maybe they will find Saddam's hidden chemical weapons that is supposedly there.

I just can't imagine they'll be there or, ever were there. If reports were correct that the convoys were escorted by Russian Spetnaz, whatever was being transported went to the Mediterranian where it was loaded onto Russian warships.

[Bigh4u2]

"We can only hope the Israelis find the WMD and blow it up and Syria ceases to exist."

Hopefully, not before cataloging it and taking massive pictures.

[ASA Vet]

I am sure someone has a link...

Check keyword 2006ISRAELWAR for almost every related thread.

[GeronL]

The IDF has not responded to the report

why would they?

[GeorgiaDawg32]

"is the IDF going after Saddam's WMD?

The bigger question is, if they find them, will it be reported by ABC/CBS/NBC/MSNBC/NYT/WaPo/Reuters/AP?"

Sure will..here's the headline:

Israeli forces frame Hizbulah with find of planted WMD's

[verity]

Kill everything that moves.

[flynmudd]

I'm sure we'll know, the big smelly cloud and everybody's skin melts off.