Israel strikes hit Beirut

ISRAEL carried out a series of massive air strikes in southern suburbs of Beirut and another that cut off the main border crossing between Lebanon and Syria, a crossing point for tens of thousands of people fleeing Israeli bombardment.

The blasts in the Beirut suburbs sent huge plumes of smoke and flames into the night sky and shook buildings miles away in the Lebanese capital.

The Israeli military did not comment on what the intended target was, and there was no information yet available on casualties.

Lebanon's state-run National News Agency reported there were more than 10 consecutive air strikes in the area.

Meanwhile, Israel's military said that Hezbollah had launched about 100 rockets into Israel yesterday, as fighting continued between Israel and the militant group.

The Israeli military also said yesterday that a strike in Beirut on Thursday killed Mohammed Rashid Skafi, the head of Hezbollah's communications division.