A flood of refugees flee southern Lebanon in advance of Israeli attacks, while in northern
Israel an onslaught of rockets from Hezbollah guerrillas.
The U.S. government hunkers down at the approach of an ominous anniversary and 100 years of
running through the streets of Boston, a revolutionary race.
From ABC, this is World News Sunday.
Here's Carol Simpson.
Good evening.
With each passing day, the situation along the Israeli-Lebanese border grows more unstable
and more dangerous.
Israel continues its massive air attack on southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah responds
with a torrent of Katyusha rockets aimed at northern Israel.
And late today, a threat from Hezbollah aimed at the United States and Israel.
An unnerving display on Hezbollah-run television showed what it claims are potential suicide
bombers, 70 volunteers with explosive devices strapped to their bodies.
In the midst of all this, civilians on both sides are being forced to run for cover.
Here's ABC's Bill Rettaker.
The exodus from southern Lebanon accelerated today. Warned by Israel to leave, 200,000
residents fled the coastal city of Tyre and headed north.
Israeli warplanes expanded their zone of influence 20 miles into southern Lebanon.
Military officials say they destroyed two Hezbollah radio transmitters and numerous
houses used by the guerrillas to launch rockets.
Once again, the Air Force showed off its laser-guided missile technology, claiming it demonstrated
they were attacking specific targets, like this vehicle parked at the side of a road
and this power transformer. The Israelis said they bombed the transformer in retaliation
for a Hezbollah attack on a power grid in northern Israel.
Israeli long-range artillery again shelled Lebanese villages along the border, but it
did not stop Hezbollah from counterattacking. In fact, northern Israel suffered its biggest
rocket attack in years. At least 45 rockets fell on settlements in 11 hours, though only
a few people were slightly injured.
After students had been evacuated from the school, a Katyusha rocket slammed through
its roof. Tonight, an underground bomb shelter took a direct hit. No one was hurt, but nerves
were badly shaken.
Israel's foreign minister insisted that as long as the rocket attacks continued, there
would be no hope for a ceasefire. The Lebanese prime minister refused, saying it would be
impossible to disarm Hezbollah without risking a civil war. He urged Israel to withdraw and
promised to put the Lebanese army in charge if he could get help from the United Nations
and France. That offer was rejected. The military campaign continues on day four of Israel's
assault against Hezbollah. Bill Redeker, ABC News, Tel Aviv.
Late today, the State Department issued a statement accusing Hezbollah of starting this
latest round of violence and urged the group to stop the rocket attacks. The large-scale
evacuation of American and other foreigners in Liberia has ended for now. What they leave
behind is complete chaos, with gangs of young gunmen swarming over the streets of Monrovia.
It has been a week since the peace between the Liberian government and rebel forces broke
down. ABC's Sheila McVicker arrived today in the Liberian capital.
Just outside the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia, some of the scenes of chaos that have led
so many to flee the country. Armed militiamen, including teenagers, roam the streets. There
is no law or order. Looters are taking everything they can get. International aid agency vehicles,
UN computers, air conditioners, all the trappings that made Monrovia function as an African
capital are disappearing on the back of pickup trucks. More than 10,000 people, all Liberians,
have sought shelter at a U.S. residential compound. Using U.N. trucks, U.S. Embassy
staff and Red Cross workers have been able to deliver some food, but conditions there
are not good. Many of the refugees were forced to gunpoint to flee their homes, and they
have nothing left.
They took our clothes, everything, everything, our bags, our guns, everything.
Most foreign nationals, including U.S. citizens who want to leave Liberia, have already been
airlifted to safety. U.S. Embassy staff estimate there may be only 70 Americans still in the
country who want to get out. The U.S. Ambassador says, in spite of the chaos, his Embassy will
remain open.
We have no plans to pull out of here. This Embassy will stay here, as far as I know,
and we intend to stay and be active in the peace process.
But tomorrow, all non-essential Embassy staff will be flown out, leaving behind fewer than
20 protected by U.S. soldiers in the midst of a tenuous ceasefire. Sheila Mickvicker,
ABC News, Monrovia.
Around the nation, there are security concerns as an ominous date, April 19th, approaches.
That story when we come back. Also tonight, a look at what three world capitals expect
to gain from a presidential trip. And the Boston Marathon, 100 years old and still running.
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SWAT headquarters in Omaha. Federal agents across the country are on alert this week
as a troubling date draws near. A day of special significance among those groups resisting
federal authority. Here's ABC's Juju Chang.