NICOSIA [MENL] -- The Iranian-backed Hizbullah has resumed the use of
anti-aircraft missiles against Israel.Lebanese sources said Hizbullah fired SA-7 missiles for the first time
since Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon in June 2000. Hizbullah fired the
missiles toward Israeli fighter-jets that attacked targets in southern
Lebanon on April 8.The sources said the Hizbullah use of SA-7s appear to mark a new stage
in its military campaign against Israel. So far, Hizbullah had deployed
anti-aircraft artillery against Israeli fighter-jets but had refrained from
using heat-seeking SA-7 missiles. The sources said the missiles were being
operated by Iranian military personnel in southern Lebanon.Israeli warplanes released red balloons to divert the missiles. No
aircraft was struck. Hizbullah secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah said the
movement has numerous other weapons that could be used against Israel.
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