U.S. condemns rocket attacks on Israel

WASHINGTON, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- The United States strongly condemned rockets attack against Israel from southern Lebanon on Friday, saying the latest attack demonstrates "the urgent need to put arms in Lebanon under control of the state."

"We strongly condemn these attacks which were in clear violation of the cessation of hostilities called for in UNSC (UN Security Council) resolution 1701," Assistant Secretary of State PJ Crowley told reporters.

These attacks "highlight the urgent need to put arms in Lebanon under control of the state and the need for the international community to remain fully committed on supporting UNIFIL which is the UN mission in Lebanon," Crowley said.

A couple of rockets reportedly hit the Western Galilee area in northern Israel early in the day, with no casualties reported. A Palestinian faction in Lebanon had claimed responsibility for the rocket fire.

Israel fired back 12 to 15 shells towards the sources of firing rockets, Israel Defense Force said.