Israeli planes blast Hizbollah Beirut stronghold

BEIRUT, July 25 (Reuters) Israeli warplanes today bombarded Hizbollah's stronghold in south Beirut as aircraft pounded south Lebanon towns and villages, killing 12 civilians.

At least five blasts shook Beirut as warplanes fired missiles at the southern suburbs of the capital, witnesses said. Thick smoke billowed into the sky over the area.

It was the first strike into Beirut since the visit by US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Rice, on a West Asia tour to find a ''sustainable'' ceasefire, made tough proposals to Lebanese leaders on conditions for a ceasefire.

Lebanese security forces said Israeli aircraft launched more than 100 strikes on towns and villages in south Lebanon today as fighting raged between Israeli troops and Hizbollah guerrillas at the frontier town of Bint Jbeil and the nearby village of Yaroun.

At least 12 civilians were killed and 20 wounded in the raids.

REUTERS PKS PM2022