Israeli Attack Helicopters Bombard Lebanese Territory After Rocket Strikes From Northern Border

Israeli combat helicopters attacked sites in Lebanon following reports of a rocket barrage and armed militants crossing into northern Israel, according to reports Monday.

Six people hurt in border clashes, including one with critical injuries, were being treated at an Israeli hospital, according to the Times of Israel.

Israeli residents in 28 northern towns were also reportedly ordered to take cover in bomb shelters as fighting heated up in a potential second front in the war that began Saturday.

The Al Quds Brigades, the armed wing of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement, claimed responsibility for an attack at the border, according to Reuters.

The Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group, based in southern Lebanon, denied that it mounted any operations into Israel, Reuters said.

The Lebanese army said its commander, General Joseph Aoun, met on Monday with Major General Aroldo Lázaro to discuss the situation along the border, according to CNN.

The Israel Defense Defense Forces said in a brief statement that its helicopters were carrying out strikes in Lebanese territory, CNN said.

Peacekeepers with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon also reported hearing explosions on Monday that it has reported explosions near Al-Boustan in southwest Lebanon, CNN said.

The Israeli military's Home Front Command expanded a directive for residents living near the Lebanese border to remain in shelters until further notice, according to the Times of Israel.

The new towns include Metula, Rosh Hanikra, Manara, Shlomi, Misgav Am and Dafna, The Times of Israel said.

Earlier, the IDF said a "number of suspects" had crossed the Lebanese border following a report of a barrage of rockets into northern Israel.

The IDF said soldiers quickly "neutralized" the militants, with three soldiers injured during the gun battle.