Nablus: IDF forces besiege Mukata; 3 Palestinians killed

Forces surround compound where senior terror group members hide; Palestinians say IDF bulldozers level part of compound, including Preventive Security Service headquarters; three gunmen killed in exchanges of fire with soldiers

Efrat Weiss|Published: 07.19.06 , 09:09

IDF forces operating in Nablus early Wednesday have surrounded the Mukata compound in the West Bank city, where, according to security officials, senior terror group members are hiding.

Palestinians said IDF bulldozers began to level part of the compound, including the Preventive Security Service headquarters.

Palestinian sources said three gunmen were killed during exchanges of fire with IDF soldiers fire in the compound.

The Mukata mainly serves the Palestinian security forces, but a number of wanted Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades (Fatah’s armed wing) members are also staying at the compound.

Palestinian sources said a large IDF force, including dozens of jeeps, entered the compound where hundreds of Palestinian security officers are located.

Hizbullah funding West Bank terror

During the incident exchanges of fire took place between the IDF forces and the security officers, as well as between soldiers and wanted Palestinians. One Palestinian officer was hurt, and according to unverified reports, another officer was killed.

The Palestinians also said the IDF forces apprehended several people inside the compound.

Last Monday First Sergeant Osher Damari, of the Haruv Brigade, was killed by an explosives device during a routine operation to arrested wanted suspects in Nablus; six other soldiers were wounded in the incident.

Terror groups operating from Nablus were also behind Monday’s foiled attack in Jerusalem.

The security establishment has received numerous warnings regarding immediate plans by Islamic Jihad and Al-Aqsa Brigades to carry out terror attacks in Israel; part of the preparations for the attacks were funded by Hizbullah, security officials said, adding that in recent weeks Hassan Nasrallah’s organization has been exerting pressure on Palestinian terrorists to resume the attacks against Israel.