Lebanese troops opened fire Thursday on Isreali warplanes flying low over southern Lebanon, but no hits were reported. Israeli warplanes frequently fly over Lebanese airaspace in what Israel says are reconnaissance missions, but this was the first time the Lebanese army has fired on the aircraft since an August 14,2006, ceasefire ended a monthlong war between Israeli and Hezbollah guerrillas.
Lebanese soldiers opened up with machine guns and light antiaircraft weapons mounted on armoured vehicles at two planes that flew by just east of Marjayoun town near the border at midmorning, a Lebanese security official said.
A total of 150 rounds were fired, he added. A senior military officer also said the army” confronted” the Israeli planes, but gave no detials.Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity in the absence of a formal announcement from the military command.
The Israel military does not comment on air operations, but there were no reports from Jeruselem of any planes being hit. Earlier this year, Lebanese and Israeli soldiers briefly exchanged fire near the border village of Maroun el- Rass where the united Nations demarcated Blue line was not clearly marked. There was no casualties.
Israeli overflights have been a constant source of tension between the two countries. Before last year’s war, Hezbollah used to open on Israeli planes, with sharpnel from the anti-aircraft fire falling on Israeli communities across the border, causing some casualiti