JERUSALEM, May 12 (Xinhua) -- Israeli troops crossed the Litani River in Lebanon and established operational control in the area, about 10 km from the Israeli border, the military said on Tuesday.
Video footage and photos released by the army showed troops crossing the river and tanks operating in the area.
The military said troops from the Golani Brigade had been operating in the Litani area over the past week, where they clashed with Hezbollah fighters. Close-quarters combats were reported.
The operation began with heavy bombardments by Israel's Air Force to help the ground troops, striking more than 100 sites in the area, the military said. Troops also used robots to help clear routes and access underground infrastructure.
The military said soldiers killed "dozens" of people it identified as Hezbollah fighters during the operation, which it said targeted tunnels, weapons storage facilities and missile launchers.
The operation took place despite a fragile ceasefire that took effect in mid-April.
Israeli attacks killed at least 2,882 people and wounded 8,768 others, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. ■
