IDF tanks massed next to Isr-Leb border, shelling on Lebanese side

(22 Jul 2006) 1. Plume of smoke ++MUTE++ 2. Various of border UPSOUND shelling 3. Wide of Israeli tanks UPSOUND shelling 4. Close-up israeli soldier praying UPSOUND shelling 5. Wide of Israeli tanks UPSOUND big explosion, pan to big plume of smoke 6. Plume of smoke UPSOUND shelling 7. Wide of Israeli tanks UPSOUND shelling STORYLINE: Israeli aircraft and artillery pounded southern Lebanon in the early hours of Saturday, apparently focusing on sectors across the border from where Israel's army has massed tanks and troops ahead of an announced limited ground operation. Plumes of smoke could be seen on the Lebanese side of the border and continuous noise of shelling was heard. An israeli soldier was praying on Sabbath, next to his colleagues resting on tanks. Roads and villages near the Blue Line defining the border between Israel and Lebanon were bombed throughout the night, witnesses said. Attacks seemed to focus around the large village of Maroun al-Ras on the Lebanese side of the border, they said. One person was killed and five wounded in overnight airstrikes on the southern town of Nabatiyeh, the Voice of Lebanon radio station said. The report could not immediately be confirmed. Nabatiyeh, located some 12 kilometres north of the border, was heavily bombed a day earlier. Lebanese television said that Israeli artillery also shelled zones near the disputed Chebaa farms area. No report of casualties were immediately available. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...