ISRAELI HELICOPTER IN MISSILE ATTACK

[Talon]

ISRAELI HELICOPTER IN MISSILE ATTACK

An Israeli helicopter is reported to have fired missiles at a refugee camp in the south of the Gaza Strip, according to Palestinian security sources.

Medics said five Palestinians, including militants, were wounded.

The rocket was reportedly fired in an area where a cemetery is located.

Minutes after the strike, Israeli tanks and military vehicles rolled into the camp and opened heavy fire, witnesses said.

Israeli military officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said a helicopter fired a missile at an explosive device as part of an operation. The officials would give no further details.

Witnesses saw Israeli tanks and bulldozers near the camp, possibly preparing for an operation. In recent days, the Israelis have destroyed several houses in the camp.

The incursion comes a day after a twin suicide attack on buses in the southern Israeli city of Be'er Sheba left 16 people and the bombers dead.

http://www.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30200-1149801,00.html

PM SHARON TARGETS HAMAS

Israel has vowed to hunt down the militants behind two suicide bombs which killed at least 16 people.

Strong condemnation has followed the attacks in the town of Be'er Sheva which left more than 80 other people injured.

Police believe two suicide bombers had boarded separate buses several moments before the explosions.

One bus was left in flames while the windows were blown out of the second vehicle.

The Israeli Prime Minister has ordered the army to find the militants behind the bombings.

The Islamic group Hamas says it carried out the double attack.

Ariel Sharon said there would be no let-up in his government's "fight against terrorism".

He said: "The struggle against terror will be pursued to the fullest extent."

Israel's strongest ally, the United States, also spoke out strongly against the attack.

Scot McClellan, spokesman for the President, said: "It was a despicable act of murder, and we offer our condolences to the government and people of Israel.

"There can be no excuse or justification for acts of terror against innocent civilians."

http://www.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30200-13210273,00.html

[Erikl]

Just few corrections:

"...in the town of Be'er Sheva..."

Be'er Sheva is not a town, it's Israel fourth largest city, and is the capital city of the Negev district, which is the largest district in Israel, encompassing 60% of it's land.

"...which left more than 80 other people injured..."

It's 100 injured...

[Talon]

Well send your complains to Sky News.com

Edited September 1, 2004 by Talon S.