Syrian drug smuggler shot, killed on border

IDF force patrolling border fence kills armed Syrian citizen, injures another after they are identified as conducting drug deal. Two Israelis caught with 15 kg of narcotics arrested
Hanan Greenberg

IDF soldiers shot and killed on Saturday a Syrian citizen near the border fence with Syria in the Golan Heights, and injured another man who was with him at the scene. Sources said the two had arrived in order to conduct a drug deal.

Meanwhile, two 35-year old Israeli citizens, residents of the northern town of Majdal Shams, were apprehended by police after 15 kg of heroin and cocaine were found on their persons. According to the sources these drugs were part of the deal conducted with the Syrian citizens.

The incident took place around midnight, while an IDF force was patrolling the fence. The force identified two suspicious figures inside of Israel's territory, on the Syrian side of the border fence. One of the smugglers was armed, and was therefore shot and killed by the soldiers. The other man was injured by the fire, and evacuated to receive medical treatment in Israel. The body of the armed man was taken into Israel.

The IDF Spokesperson's Office stated that the two Syrians did not cut the border fence, but they did infiltrate Israel's territory. The UN has been notified of the incident, and "during the day the time of their return to Syria will be determined," the statement said. "It will be determined following an investigation, but since this was not a terror attack but rather a criminal action, they will probably be returned after the injured man is treated."

The IDF stated that the soldiers had performed the actions required of them, and thus thwarted the smuggling attempt. The border with Syria is known as a drug-smuggling site, similarly to the border with Egypt, and the army's main concern is that it will also become the site of various terrorist activities.

The IDF is familiar with the smuggling routes located along the border with Egypt, which began to serve the terror organizations immediately after the Gaza pullout. Following the terror attack that took place in Eilat over a year ago, seen as a product of these routes, the army decided to begin cracking down on the smuggling taking place on the Syrian border.

Ahiya Raved contributed to this report