by slimmouse » Sat Jul 29, 2006 5:33 pm
<br> Associated Press;<br><br><br>BEIRUT, Lebanon - Israeli missiles struck near the main Lebanese border crossing into Syria on Saturday, forcing its closure for the first time in the 18-day-old conflict, police officials said. <br><br>Israeli warplanes fired three missiles that landed at the Masnaa crossing, about 300 yards beyond a Lebanese customs post, the officials said. They said the area is considered to be part of Lebanese territory. <br><br>Security officials said there were no casualties from the strike, which damaged two cars. Police sealed off the area and prevented journalists from coming close. <br><br>Story continues below ↓<br>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br> advertisement <br><br>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br><br>The road between Syrian and Lebanese checkpoints was closed in both directions, they said. <br><br>It was the first time that the main crossing between Lebanon and Syria was shut in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah guerrillas that began on June 12. <br><br>The passage has been an escape route for tens of thousands of Lebanese who fled by land to Syria, after Israel bombed the runways at Beirut airport in the first days of fighting. It was also a gateway for humanitarian aid entering the country.<br><br><br><br> <p></p><i></i>
