Israeli Jets Hit Guerrilla Bases Near Beirut in 10th Raid of Year
Israeli jets bombed Palestinian guerrilla bases in hills east of Beirut today, police reported. In Tel Aviv, the Israeli military command confirmed the attacks, the 10th Israeli air raid on Lebanon this year.
Lebanese police said they had no immediate report of casualties.
Huge clouds of smoke billowed from the Druze-held hills of Bayssour, Keyfoun, Eitat and Shimlan, about 12 miles from Beirut, as the jet formations made at least four bombing runs within 40 minutes starting at 5:30 p.m., according to Lebanese police.
They said eight jets took part in each sortie, releasing red balloons that deflected heat-seeking surface-to-air SAM-7 missiles fired by guerrillas in each run.
The Israeli command’s brief announcement on the raids said the pilots reported accurate hits and returned safely to base.
It said the buildings attacked were used by the breakaway Abu Moussa faction of the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine. Both groups are supported by Syria.
The raid followed reports that Israeli troops and tanks were poised for a cross-border thrust to attack Iranian-backed Shia Muslim guerrillas in south Lebanon.
Syrian President Hafez Assad was quoted as threatening a “stunning retaliation” if Israel invades Lebanon.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
