Israeli artillery attacks ahead of massed tanks

Israeli aircraft and artillery pounded southern Lebanon in the early hours of today, apparently focusing on sectors across the border from where Israel’s army has massed tanks and troops ahead of an announced limited ground operation.

Roads and villages near the Blue Line defining the border between Israel and Lebanon were bombed throughout the night, witnesses said. Attacks seemed to focus around the large village of Maroun al-Ras on the Lebanese side of the border, they said.

One person was killed and five wounded in overnight airstrikes on the southern town of Nabatiyeh, the Voice of Lebanon radio station said. The report could not immediately be confirmed. Nabatiyeh, located some 12km north of the border, was heavily bombed a day earlier.

Lebanese television said that Israeli artillery also shelled zones near the disputed Chebaa farms area.

No report of casualties were immediately available.