Incidents on Egyptian, Syrian Fronts

Bazooka, mortar and small arms fire echoed along the Egyptian front throughout the day and fresh shooting incidents were reported from the Syrian front as well. An Israeli military spokesman said Egyptian forces opened fire early this morning with small arms and bazookas aimed at Israeli positions and Israeli patrols in various sectors of the Suez cease-fire lines. Incidents were reported in the Ismailia region, Deirel Balah and at the Kilometer 62 and Kilometer 71 markers along the Suez Canal.

Egyptian soldiers also fired small arms and mortar shells at Israeli forces at Adabiyah on the Gulf of Suez, the southernmost point of the Israeli salient on the west bank of the Suez Canal. Israeli. forces returned the fire in all instances and suffered no casualties, the spokesman said.

Israel accused Syria of firing tank and mortar shells at Israeli positions in the Mazraat Bet Jan area on the northern front. An Israeli source described that area as a “shooting gallery” for the Syrians. Syria opened artillery fire yesterday in attempts to disperse Israeli troops carrying out routine work in connection with the deployment of forces. Israel returned the fire and the work continued, Syria claimed that Israel was employing heavy tractors outside the cease-fire lines. The Incidents occurred near a UN observation post.

Meanwhile, Israel reported that there was no evidence that the Egyptians are constructing a bridge across the Suez Canal in the Firdan area which is held by the Egyptian Second Army. Israeli forces noticed extensive earth work being carried out there but have established that it has nothing to do with the alleged bridge construction.