Israeli warplanes buzz Lebanon’s Sidon: Media reports

By Kaamil Ahmed

JERUSALEM

Israeli jets flew low into Lebanese airspace on Sunday, causing sonic booms over the southern city of Sidon, according to Lebanese state media.

The Lebanese National News Agency reported that Israeli warplanes had broken the sound barrier over the city, “causing fear and panic among local residents”.

The Israeli military has so far refrained from commenting on the reports, which coincide with large military drills now being held in northern Israel.

The Israeli wargames simulate potential war scenarios with Lebanon’s Hezbollah militia group, which fought a major conflict with the Jewish state in 2006.

Lebanon reportedly plans to submit a complaint to the UN amid allegations that Israel is using its airspace to strike military sites in neighboring Syria.

On Friday, Israeli jets are believed to have struck a Syrian military base allegedly used to manufacture chemical weapons.

The Lebanese news agency also reported that an Israeli gunboat had briefly entered Lebanese territorial waters on Sunday night.