Lebanon, Israel exchange rocket attacks

by Ren Ke

BEIRUT, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- At least two Katyusha rockets were fired from southern Lebanon and hit northern Israel on Friday afternoon, while Israel responded with artillery to the area where the rockets were originated.

The two rockets were fired from general area of Klaileh, a village 15 km from the southern Lebanon's border, at around 3:45 p.m. local time (1245 GMT) and impacted in northern Israel in the area north of Nahariya.

The Israeli Army retaliated with artillery fire aimed at the area from which the rocket fires originated, and the firing stopped shortly thereafter. Lebanese official National News Agency(NNA) reported Israel fired 14 shells.

The UN Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said in a statement that it has no report of casualties. UNIFIL is now in contact with both sides, urging them to exercise maximum restraint, uphold the cessation of hostilities and avoid taking steps which would lead to further escalation.

In the meantime, UNIFIL, in coordination with the Lebanese Armed Forces, has deployed additional troops and reaction force in the area.

The NNA reported tranquility in southern Lebanon was quickly restored, except for Israeli warplanes flying over border villages, and strict security procedures overtaken by the UNIFIL across the coastline in southern Lebanon.

Following a meeting with Lebanese Future Movement leader Saad Hariri, UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Michael Williams said the rocket exchange is "very serious."

UN spokesperson Marie Okabe said Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemns the firing of at least two rockets into Israel from southern Lebanon, urging all parties to exercise restraint.

Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Fouad Siniora said after the incident that it is dangerous and sternly refused. He also underlined Lebanon's commitment to fully implementing UN Resolution 1701, which ended the 34-day war between Israel and Lebanese Shiite armed group Hezbollah in the summer of 2006.