Syrian Jets Hit Lebanon

Missiles fired by Syrian warplanes hit Lebanese territory today in one of the most serious cross-border violations since Syria's crisis began 18 months ago, security officials in Beirut and Lebanese state media said. The officials said four missiles fired by two Syrian jets hit a rugged and remote area on the edge of the Lebanese border town of Arsal. There were no immediate reports of casualties. Lebanon's state-run National News Agency reported that the warplanes fired three missiles that fell on the outskirts of Arsal about 500 yards from the border between the two countries.

"I heard several explosions and saw four clouds of dust billowing from the (border area)," said one resident. "I don't know if it was an air raid but there was a plane in the sky." He added that the town had been quiet two hours after the morning attack. Syrian forces were believed to be chasing rebels in the area, which has been the site of clashes in the past between opposition fighters battling Syrian troops just on the other side of the frontier. (More Lebanon stories.)