Breaking Headline

As Powell tours Lebanese-Israeli border, Hizbullah bombs Israeli positions

Published April 12th, 2002 - 02:00 GMT
Al Bawaba
Al Bawaba

Hizbullah launched anti-tank missiles and mortar shells at Israeli positions on occupied Shebaa Farms Friday afternoon as U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell was tourning the Israeli-Lebanese border.  

 

There were no reports of injuries or damage.  

 

In response, Israeli artillery and warplanes were carrying out strikes in southern Lebanon.  

 

Powell, who was visiting an Israeli army command post, was not near the scene of the attack. Earlier, in an apparent signal to Syria, Powell said "all parties in the region must play a role to restrain any aggressive activities across Israel's northern border." 

 

Meanwhile, a top United States official said Russia had told Washington it was pressing Syria, Iran and Lebanon to restrain Hizbullah from launching cross-border attacks on Israel. 

 

Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov said Moscow was making diplomatic interventions with Damascus and Tehran as part of its support for Powell's Middle East peace mission, the official said. 

 

Cross-border attacks over the past week, unlike the attacks on Shebaa, have not been claimed, while Lebanese police have announced the arrests of seven Palestinians for attacking or preparing to attack of Israeli targets, AFP added. (Albawaba.com) 

© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)

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