Arafat HQ targeted in raids by Israel

Israeli troops are accused of raiding Palestinian president Yasser Arafat's compound early today, bulldozing buildings damaged in a similar action last week.

Mr Arafat was in the compound but was safe, Palestinian information minister Yasser Abed Rabbo said.

Residents said at least two do z en tanks, armoured personnel carriers and jeeps thrust into the West Bank city of Ramallah shortly before dawn covered by helicopters hovering overhead and bursts of machinegun fire. They said the firing stopped once the forces had entered the city.

"They reoccupied Ramallah and al-Bireh and now they are besieging Arafat's compound," Mr Rabbo said.

An Israeli military source said the operation was aimed at "arresting militants and destroying the terror infrastructure".

But the Israeli military denied reports that soldiers entered Mr Arafat's compound in Ramallah and completed destruction of buildings hit previously.

The army spokesman said soldiers simply surrounded the compound to prevent gunmen from entering. Palestinians officials also said the Israeli forces remained outside the compound. Mr Arafat was inside the compound and was unharmed, the officials said.