Syria gives warning as Israeli warplanes fly over Lebanon

BEIRUT -- Israeli warplanes flew over southern Lebanon yesterday, two days after the Jewish state launched an airstrike near Damascus, as Syria's army chief of staff warned against testing his country's capabilities.

The latest overflights near the Syrian border came after a U.S. official said Israel launched a rare airstrike Wednesday inside Syria, targeting a convoy carrying anti-aircraft weapons bound for Hezbollah, the powerful Lebanese militant group allied with Syria and Iran.

Gen. Ali Abdullah Ayoub made his comments Thursday during a visit to some military units in the country. They reflected increased tensions between Syria and Israel, which up to now has refrained from actions that could be interpreted as intervention in Syria's civil war.

Israel had no comment on Lebanon's description of the air force flights over the border region. There were no reports of airstrikes. Israeli planes frequently fly over southern Lebanon, and Lebanon often files complaints with the United Nations over the incursions into its airspace.

The air raid raised tensions in the already boiling region as a result of Syria's 22-month civil war that has left more than 60,000 people dead, according to the UN. Many fear Syria's civil war could spill to neighboring countries.

Meanwhile Friday, Syrian opposition leaders and rebels slammed President Bashar Assad for not responding to Wednesday's rare airstrike, calling it proof of his weakness and acquiescence to the Jewish state.

The opposition's sharp reaction underlines how those seeking to topple the Syrian leader might be more prepared to tangle with Israel if they came to power.