Israeli armored vehicles drive on a road along the Israel and Lebanon border near the Israeli village of Avivim as they advance towards Lebanese territory July 23, 2006. -Xinhua/Reuters

Two men suspected of being affiliated with Lebanese Hizbollah were captured Sunday night by Israeli army during its operation in southern Lebanon, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed to Xinhua yesterday.

An IDF spokeswoman told Xinhua that the two Lebanese were captured by IDF in Maroun al-Ras in a village of Maroun al-Ras, adding questioning and investigation is underway.

Over the past few days, Israeli troops and Hizbollah militants have traded heavy fire in Maroun al-Ras area, just across the border with Lebanon.

Israel has been fighting against Hizbollah since two soldiers were captured by the Lebanese Shiite group on July 12. The fighting between the two sides continues in southern Lebanon on Monday.

According to Israeli daily Ha'aretz, ten IDF soldiers were injured in heavy exchanges of fire with Hizbollah guerillas in the area around Bint Jbayel in southern Lebanon.

The Israeli troops took control of a hilltop near Bint Jbayel after a heavy artillery barrage, but the army had not taken the town itself, IDF officials was quoted as saying.

The IDF is expanding the deployment of its forces in southern Lebanon after large forces crossed the border Sunday night, it was reported.

Media reports estimated that the IDF has between a week and 10 days to continue its offensive in Lebanon before a cease-fire is called.