Israeli, Lebanese troops exchange fire

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Israeli and Lebanese troops exchanged fire on Israel’s northern border Aug. 1; no Israeli soldiers were injured.

This was the first skirmish on the Israel-Lebanon border since May when Nakba Day protesters attempted to breach the border. Ten protesters died and more than 100 were injured in that incident.

On the morning of Aug. 1, Lebanese soldiers opened fire on Israeli paratroopers on patrol and Israeli forces returned fire, according to reports, some of which said that the paratroopers were taking part in a training exercise. Lebanon claimed that the Israeli soldiers had entered its territory.

Lebanese sources said one of its soldiers was hurt, but the United Nations peacekeeping force reported no injuries. UNIFIL is investigating the incident but reportedly said that Israeli troops had not crossed into Lebanese territory. — jta