Israeli army says at least 11 Israeli soldiers killed

JERUSALEM, Aug 13 (Reuters) At least 11 Israeli soldiers were killed by Hizbollah guerrillas in southern Lebanon, an Israeli army spokeswoman said.

The spokeswoman yesterday said the most recent attacks included an Israeli officer and two soldiers who were killed when Hizbollah fighters fired an anti-tank missile at their tank.

She said another soldier died when Hizbollah launched a similar attack on a structure in the area where he and other troops had taken position.

The Israeli army confirmed earlier in the day that seven Israeli soldiers were killed in southern Lebanon and the spokeswoman said more than 70 were wounded. Israeli media said two were crushed to death by an Israeli tank.

Hizbollah guerrillas also shot down an Israeli helicopter in the area. Israeli media said there were casualties but did not say how many.

The army said it was the first aircraft shot down in Lebanon since its war with Hizbollah began on July 12, sparked by the group's capture of two soldiers in a cross-border raid.

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