Beirut, June 19 (IANS/EFE): Lebanese Shia group Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for killing two commanders and seven militants of Islamic State (IS) in two attacks in the Arsal region near the Syrian border, Al-Manar television network reported on Friday.

The attack took place, according to the Hezbollah-run network, when the jihadis were planning an operation against Ras Baalbek region, east of Bekaa Valley on the border with Syria.

Al-Manar identified the deceased commanders as Abu Aisha al-Libi and Abu Akrama al-Zuhuri, and said two military vehicles were also destroyed in the attack.

Hezbollah has stepped up the fight against IS, which targeted Shia militias in clashes last week, killing and injuring several on both sides.

Last week, the Lebanese armed group claimed responsibility for killing IS leader Abu Balqis al-Baghdadi in the Syrian region of al-Qalamoun, bordering Lebanon.

Lebanese military officials also confirmed Al-Baghdadi's death to Efe news agency.

Hezbollah is fighting various Syrian radical armed groups in Lebanon and Syria, as it backs the government troops under Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.