Lebanon: Three Hizbullah fighters, three Israeli troops die in clashes

Hizbullah fighters engaged in heavy exchanges of fire with Israeli troops in southern Lebanon on Tuesday morning. The clash took place near the village of Ayta a-Shaab. Media reoprts said at least three Israeli soldiers were killed in the firefights.  

Another Israeli soldier was lightly hurt in Maroun A-Ras, also in southern Lebanon.

The Israeli army said Tuesday that at least 20 Hizbullah fighters have been killed in the clashes.

According to Haaretz, Israeli units were operating in a number of areas within Lebanon on Tuesday morning, deep in the central and western fronts. A total of five units - thousands of soldiers - are currently deployed in Lebanon, the Tel Aviv-based newspaper added.

Hizbullah said on its Al-Manar television station Tuesday that its fighters continued to "confront" Israeli ground troops in Kfar Kila, Adaisse, and Taibeh, near the Lebanese town of Marjayoun. The resistance group released on Tuesday a statement saying three of its fighters died in the battles.

Although Israel suspended most airstrikes on the south for 48 hours, its warplanes struck deep inside the country early Tuesday hitting roads linking Lebanon with Syria in the Hermel region.