Israel Says Troops Killed 2 Guerrillas

Two guerrillas were killed and three Israeli soldiers wounded in fighting Wednesday in the Israeli-dominated security zone of south Lebanon, Israel’s military command announced.

The clash occurred when an Israeli unit encountered the two guerrillas in the eastern sector of Israel’s so-called security zone, the command said. It did not indicate whether the guerrillas were Palestinian or Lebanese.

Israel radio said the clash occurred on the lower slopes of Har Dov, part of Mt. Hermon in the area close to the Syrian border.

A group of guerrillas tried to infiltrate into the Golan Heights in the same area last September, but three members were caught and the fourth fled back into Lebanon.

Kalashnikov assault rifles, ammunition, food and personal effects were found next to the bodies of the two guerrillas killed Wednesday, the command said.

The command did not report on the condition of the wounded Israelis.

The security zone, which stretches six to 10 miles north of the Lebanese border, is patrolled by soldiers of the South Lebanon Army militia, backed by Israeli troops. Israel set up the zone as a buffer against terrorist attacks on its northern border settlements.