Two Israeli soldiers were wounded by Syrian shall fire this afternoon. The Syrians opened their daily barrage this morning, aiming at Israeli positions in the Yam Kippur War enclave, the southern Golan Heights and the Mt. Hermon area. Shells also landed in the Harmon area, the westernmost ridge of Mt. Hermon overlooking “Fatahland” in southeastern Lebanon. This afternoon’s shelling was also directed at the enclave, Mt. Hermon and the Har Dov area. Israeli artillery returned the fire.
The re-escalation of shooting today ended hopes that yesterday’s brief lull indicated a Syrian intention to hold down the fighting while Secretary of State Henry A. Kissinger shuttled between Jerusalem and Damascus in search of a disengagement accord. The lull occurred shortly before noon yesterday. The Syrians resumed fire in the afternoon, drawing response from Israeli gunners but the intensity of the shelling was less than it had been on previous days. No Israeli casualties were reported yesterday.
Meanwhile, Israeli observation posts reported new concentrations of Syrian road-building equipment and vehicles at the base of Mt. Hermon, indicating that the Syrians are about to resume their attempts to complete an access road to their positions on the crest of the mountain, some 200 meters below the Israeli positions on its peak. Israeli artillery opened fire last night on the Syrian vehicle concentrations. Flames coming from the area indicated that hits were scored.
The Syrians have about 800 meters of road to complete. Up to now their attempts have been failed by Israeli artillery and air attacks. Israeli military sources noted that if the Syrians succeed, they will be able to bring tanks and artillery to positions near the top of Mt. Herman from which the Israeli positions could be attacked.
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