Saturday, July 15 2006 12:48 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Tel Aviv: Hezbollah forces shelled an Israeli naval vessel in Lebanese waters following attacks on Hezbolla leader Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah's residence.

An Israeli military spoksman confirmed the attack and said there had been slight damage to the vessel.

Hours earlier Israeli planes had destroyed the building in southern Beirut that houses Nasrallah's home, according to al-Manar television.

The jets also bombed Hezbollah headquarters in Hreit Hrek, destroying the building. Two bombs also fell near the Iranian embassy in Beir Hassan at the outskirts of Beirut, but caused no damage.

The air strike on Hezbollah's headquarters was meant to send a clear message that Lebanon must get rid of Hezbollah, Israel's military Chief of Staff Dan Halutz said.

Halutz said the attack was aimed at Hezbollah's infrastructure and not its leader Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah. But he added that since Hezbollah took it upon itself to defend Lebanon, Lebanon must pay the price.

Israeli jets also attacked a bridge near the sultan Ibrahim area in Beirut, Lebanese police said. The sound of two exploding bombs echoed throughout the capital causing panic among residents.

The latest raids prompted families to flee and seek refuge in schools in Beirut. Women, children and elderly persons were filling up school buildings. Earlier, Israeli planes had renewed strikes on bridges in eastern Lebanon, especially the road leading to Damascus, and killed at least four more civilians and injured some 60 more in attacks on Beirut's southern suburbs. The latest deaths brought the number of Lebanese civilians killed since Wednesday to 60, police said. In a defiant statement carried by Hezbollah's al-Manar television, Nasrallah called on the Lebanese people to stay steadfast amid Israeli attacks, saying, "We are going towards an open war with the Israelis."

Speaking just before the attack on the Israeli vessel, he said, "The Israeli gunboat bombing our people will burn with its crew just watch and see." And addressing Israelis, he said, "If your government wants an open war, then you are going to have it."

"His guerrillas would use new rockets they have never used it before," he said. He continued, "What is happening today is not a result of capturing the two soldiers it is a settling of old scores. We have two options: Either we bow to Israel or we stay steadfast and confront. I promise you victory again." Addressing Arab leaders, Nasrallah said, "We are adventurers since 1982 and we only achieved victory for our country, and freedom."

Shortly after his statement finished, fireworks filled the skies over Beirut's southern suburbs.