Main Syrian-Lebanese border crossing closed (due to nearby bombing)

[uppityperson]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14093622/

Israeli missiles strike close to Masnaa crossing, forcing first closure
BEIRUT, Lebanon - Israeli missiles struck near the main Lebanese border crossing into Syria on Saturday, forcing its closure for the first time in the 18-day-old conflict, police officials said.

Israeli warplanes fired three missiles that landed at the Masnaa crossing, about 300 yards beyond a Lebanese customs post, the officials said. They said the area is considered to be part of Lebanese territory. Security officials said there were no casualties from the strike, which damaged two cars. Police sealed off the area and prevented journalists from coming close.

The road between Syrian and Lebanese checkpoints was closed in both directions, they said.It was the first time that the main crossing between Lebanon and Syria was shut in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah guerrillas that began on June 12.

The passage has been an escape route for tens of thousands of Lebanese who fled by land to Syria, after Israel bombed the runways at Beirut airport in the first days of fighting. It was also a gateway for humanitarian aid entering the country.

[uppityperson]

1. Reuters link/article too

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L2939224.htm

An Israeli air strike hit Lebanon's main road to Damascus on Saturday just 1 km from the border with Syria, cutting the highway in both directions, witnesses and security sources said.

Three air strikes hit the road between Lebanese and Syrian immigration offices, but on the Lebanese side of the border, they said. There was no information on casualties.

The Israeli military said it had struck the road to cut arms supply routes from Syria to Hizbollah guerrillas in Lebanon.

"The military attacked the road from Lebanon to Syria to prevent the smuggling of weapons," an army spokeswoman said.

[lovuian]

2. A warning to Syria ... ya want it your going to get it

this goes to Syria which it already has WWIII starts getting crazier...

[slaveplanet]

3. ahh, so NBC finally admits this has been

going on since June, and not July as has been widely reported.

[bemildred]

4. Good eye. nt

[bigluckyfeet]

6. How are the Lebanese People

Expected to get out with bridges blown?

[bemildred]

7. I believe the idea was to prevent them. nt

[daleo]

5. 300 yards beyond a Lebanese checkpoint

That would be in or very close to the other guy's territory at most border crossings I have seen.