The New Nation - Internet Edition

AP, Beirut

Lebanese troops opened fire Thursday on Israeli warplanes flying low over southern Lebanon but no hits were reported, Lebanese officials said. Israeli warplanes frequently fly over Lebanese airspace in what Israel says are reconnaissance missions, but this was the first time the army has on the aircraft since an Aug. 14, 2006 cease-fire ended a monthlong war between Israeli and Hezbollah guerrillas. Lebanese soldiers opened up with machine guns and light anti-aircraft weapons mounted on armored 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 details. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity in the absence of a formal announcement from the military command.