Eight Israeli commandos wounded in Tyre operation

JERUSALEM, Aug 5 (Reuters) Eight Israeli naval commandos were wounded, two seriously, in an operation near the Lebanese city of Tyre overnight, the army said today.

A spokesman said the operation was launched against Hizbollah guerrillas believed responsible for firing missiles at the Israeli city of Hadera yesterday. Israeli media said the commandos had attacked from helicopters, although the spokesman would not confirm this.

At least two Hizbollah missiles landed in open areas near Hadera, about 80 km from the Lebanese border, marking the deepest strike yet since the war erupted more than three weeks ago.

The army spokesman said a ''good number'' of Hizbollah fighters were killed in the Tyre operation.

REUTERS SP PM1241