Israeli Choppers Fire on Hezbollah Guerrillas Amid Reignited Tensions

Israeli helicopter gunships opened fire Monday on Hezbollah guerrillas trying to infiltrate an Israeli-held enclave in southern Lebanon.

Tensions reignited on the volatile border Sunday when the Iranian-backed guerrillas ambushed an Israeli patrol. At least five soldiers were wounded in that attack, the first clash between the two sides since Israel ended a 16-day offensive against the guerrillas 2 1/2 weeks ago.

Lebanese security sources said two Israeli Cobra helicopter gunships fired four missiles after the guerrillas were spotted just north of Sojod, a village on the eastern edge of the enclave Israel controls to curb attacks on its northern communities.

Israeli forces inside the “security zone” fired on the suspected infiltration trail with cannons, said the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity.