Casualties feared in Israeli hit on Lebanon village

MARJAYOUN, Lebanon, Aug 7 (Reuters) Israeli air strikes destroyed several houses in south Lebanon's border village of Houla today, and dozens of civilians were feared buried under the rubble, security sources said.

They said aircraft first destroyed a house where 17 people were hiding in the Hamameer district of the village. Up to six other strikes a short time later hit four nearby houses where about 40 other people were staying.

Hizbollah guerrillas had earlier in the day attacked Israeli forces near the village, wounding five soldiers.

Residents said they feared up to 60 people, including many children, had been killed. They said most of the people were shepherds who had refused to flee the fighting and leave.

Security sources said no rescue workers were yet able to reach the scene to access the casualties.

REUTERS SP RAI1738