Egyptian SAM-2 missiles were fired at Israel Air Force planes flying in Israeli air space over the east bank of the Suez Canal today. The planes were not hit and returned safely to their bases, a military spokesman said.
The incident, which occurred at 3:10 p.m. local time, was the first hostile activity over the Suez Canal since Feb. when an Egyptian MIG-21 was downed by Israeli jets in an air battle. Israel has lodged a complaint with the United Nations cease-fire observers.
According to the announcement the missiles, apparently of the SAM-2 type, were aimed at Israeli planes but exploded in midair and fragments fell on Israel-held territory. The number and type of planes involved was not disclosed
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.