Monday, April 27, 2015

Israel Strikes Hezbollah, Syrian Army Targets Near Syria-Lebanon Border
Attack comes hours after an Israeli Air Force aircraft struck a militant cell trying to place an explosive device on Israel's border with Syria.

By Jack Khoury
Haaretz Apr. 27, 2015 | 4:30 AM

Israel struck missile batteries belonging to Hezbollah and the Syrian army in the Qalamoun area, near the Syria-Lebanon border, late Sunday night, according to an Al Jazeera report. Several casualties were reported.

The IDF would not confirm nor deny, saying they do not comment on foreign reports.

The attack comes hours after an Israeli Air Force aircraft struck a militant cell that was trying to place an explosive device on Israel's border with Syria.

Around 9:30 P.M. Israeli troops watching the border noticed four figures approaching the fence between Israel and Syria and placing the bomb. The cell was on the eastern side of the fence, but in effect was on Israeli territory.

The IAF aircraft then struck the cell, killing three of the militants, according to the IDF. In all likelihood the fourth militant was also hit.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in response to the event that "any attempt to harm our soldiers or our citizens will be met with a decisive response like tonight's IDF operation that prevented a terror attack. I commend the vigilant IDF soldiers that acted quickly and accurately."

The reported airstrike is Israel's second strike on Hezbollah targets in Qalamoun in three days. Israeli Air Force reportedly attacked Syrian army bases where Hezbollah stored long-range missiles late Friday night.

The airstrikes reportedly targeted the bases of the 155th and 65th strategic missile brigades, stationed in Qalamoun, near the Syria-Lebanon border. Residents of nearby cities Yabroud and Qarah reported hearing explosions.

According to an Al Arabiya report, Friday night's strikes were preceded by another attack on Wednesday, targeting a Hezbollah convoy carrying weapons. According to the report, at least one person was killed in that attack.

Last month, in wake of the Lausanne talks concerning Iran's nuclear program, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that "we [in Israel] are not closing our eyes, and we will continue to act against any threat." 

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