Israeli aircraft have fired rockets at the runways of Beirut's international airport in Lebanon, forcing its closure and the diversion of flights. It follows the capture of two Israeli soldiers. Photo by Getty Images
Israel has enforced a complete blockade on Lebanon as part of its offensive against Hizbollah guerrillas, which captured two soldiers in a border clash a day earlier. This was the biggest raid in Lebanon since Israel's 1982 invasion.
"Israel imposes a closure on Lebanon from the sea, air and land, in order to press the government there to take responsibility over southern Lebanon, which is currently under Hizbollah control," Army Radio said on Thursday, quoting military sources.
Israeli planes earlier attacked Beirut's international airport in another step to sealing access. Israeli aircraft fired rockets at the runways of Beirut's international airport after 27 civilians, including 10 children, were killed in overnight raids on southern Lebanon.
Israel's Army Radio said other airports in Lebanon could be targeted too.