An Israeli gunboat sank a rubber dinghy Saturday off the Lebanese port of Tyre, killing its three occupants. They were identified by naval officers as members of Al Fatah, the Palestine Liberation Organization’s military wing.
The naval encounter followed an Israeli air force attack Friday on what was described as an Al Fatah naval base in the southern Lebanese port city of Sidon.
According to the naval officers, the dinghy was on a course toward Israel when it was challenged by a Dabour-class gunboat. They said it was the third attempt by terrorists this year to infiltrate Israel by sea.
Other boats carrying terrorists have been sunk while laying mines on routes used by Israeli naval craft.
The air attack was the 14th by Israel this year against targets in Lebanon. A military spokesman said it was carried out by three jets, with a fourth flying cover.
They struck twice in 15 minutes at the base on the edge of the Mieh refugee camp, according to eyewitness reports from Lebanon. All aircraft returned safely to their base, the spokesman said.
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