Israel Claims Success on Both Fronts

Israel claimed successes on the Syrian and Egyptian fronts today. Both sectors were reported relatively quiet. The Israeli high command reported that Iraqi units sent into battle on the Syrian front were virtually

destroyed in their first tank and artillery clash with Israel. Israel also claimed to have inflicted severe losses on Egyptian forces in a series of tank, artillery and infantry battles on the Suez Canal front last night and Sunday which an Israeli military spokesman described as greater than the famous battle of El Alamein in World War II. Israel also reported continuing heavy sorties by its Air Force on both fronts and a successful naval action against an Egyptian commando base on the Gulf of Suez.

THE SYRIAN FRONT

Following a quiet night – and quiet is very relative in times of war – Israeli forces continued their slow but safe advance in the direction of Damascus. Yesterday it was an infantry unit that was called in to attack and storm a Syrian regimental stronghold on the outskirts of Sasa village on the Kuneitra-Damascus axis.

The Israeli infantry cleared a large fortified position, destroyed bunkers and drove the Syrians away after inflicting heavy casualties on them. Israel suffered almost no casualties in this operation. Israelis also advanced and strengthened their positions on very difficult terrain where advance depends on existing roads and tracks.

Israeli armor aided by artillery and the Air Force launched an attack on the Iraqi division in the central section of the Syrian front. The Iraqi force on its first day in Syria came into contact with the Israeli forces and retreated leaving behind 70-80 tanks.

This afternoon found the Iraqis part and parcel of the Syrian defense line on the central sector. Israeli armor engaged Iraqi armor with the aid of direct hits by artillery and Air Force bombers. A short but fierce battle ensued after which the Iraqis were again on the run leaving behind heavy casualties and scores of blackened tanks and other equipment. Israeli forces occupied positions in the area held earlier by the Iraqi division. Israeli artillery is shelling the outskirts of Damascus.

Israel Air Force planes are attacking targets in Syria and hit the ports of Tartous and Latakiya. The Syrians are trying to establish a solid defense line before Damascus. Israelis are pounding this line.

THE EGYPTIAN FRONT

Israeli forces successfully repelled Egyptian attempts to storm the last of the Barlev line, far to the north. After a seven-hour battle-armor, artillery and infantry – the Israeli lines held firmly all along the front. The Egyptians lost over 200 tanks and approximately 1000 men.

The major Egyptian attack started yesterday morning according to the Russian combat doctrine with a massive aerial bombardment and artillery barrage. At least 12 Egyptian planes were sent to support the attack. After 45 minutes of shelling, the Egyptian force, armor and infantry equipped with anti-tank weapons, attacked. The Israeli Air Force was called in for close support of ground forces and in the afternoon the battle subsided. The Egyptians retreated to their own line leaving behind burning tanks.

During the morning the Egyptians tried to storm the northernmost position of the Barlev line which has held out since the start of war and with which a link was made three days ago. The Egyptians placed an ambush on the road link to the position while other Egyptian forces tried to attack the position from all sides including from the sea. The Israeli position inflicted heavy casualties on the Egyptian and withstood the attack. Egyptian troops landing from the sea were likewise repulsed. The ambush was detected and attacked by Israeli forces. The link with the position was kept open.

In the afternoon the Egyptians tried to advance their forces in the northern section of the Suez Canal front. This time they sent their infantry first and the ### followed in support. Israeli forces repulsed the attack and Egyptians retreated to their former positions. Israeli experts said that the fact that the Egyptians did not push on with yesterday’s attacks may indicate that they suffered a severe blow.

Activities of the Israeli Air Force today included bombardment of three Egyptian airfields, ground-to-air missile sites and armor concentrations in the Sinai sector. The Air Force also maintained close support of ground troops wherever needed. In today’s operations five Syrian and three Egyptian planes were downed by Israeli planes and by ground forces.

Altogether 302 enemy planes were downed by Israeli–168 on the Syrian front and 134 on the Egyptian front. This includes the two Mirages shot down yesterday over Sinai. Israeli naval units acting in the Red Sea damaged and sunk 25 small vessels used by the Egyptian commando units. The attack was carried out at Ras Gharib on the Western shores of the Red Sea.