Friday, September 11, 2009

2 Katyusha rockets strike northern Israel

(Haaretz).At least two Katyusha rockets struck open fields near Nahariya on Friday. There have been no reports of casualties.

The rockets were fired from southern Lebanon and Israel Radio has reported that the Israel Defense Forces have launched retaliatory artillery into southern Lebanon.

The IDF spokesperson said Friday that Israel "views these incidents as very severe, and we hold the government of Lebanon responsible."

Channel 10 reported that a Palestinian faction in Lebanon has claimed responsibility for the rocket fire.

A resident of a northern kibbutz told Haaretz, "It was very surprising. We suddenly heard a boom. We are very happy no one was hurt."

Lebanese security officials said Israeli troops promptly fired at least two rockets back, which landed near Qlaileh. Lebanon's state-run National News Agency reported that nine Israeli artillery shells fell near the town, but there were no reports of casualties or damage.