Israeli commandos kill 3 Hizbollah fighters -sources

CHTOURA, Lebanon, Aug 19 (Reuters) Three Hizbollah guerrillas were killed in a firefight with an Israeli commando unit deep into eastern Lebanon early today, Lebanese security sources said.

They said helicopter-borne Israeli commandos in two vehicles were on their way to attack an office of senior Hizbollah official Sheikh Mohammed Yazbek in the village of Bodai when they were spotted and ambushed by the fighters.

The sources said the Israeli force suffered six casualties before pulling out under the cover of fierce air strikes.

Israeli security sources confirmed that the army carried out a raid in Lebanon, Israel radio said.

REUTERS MS VA RAI1345