IDF patrol on Gaza border
Photo: AP
IDF opens fire at terrorists near Karni crossing
Soldiers operating along Gaza border fence shoot at Palestinians attempting to plant explosive devices near crossing; shortly before incident mortar fired from northern Strip explodes near security fence; no injuries
An IDF force operating near the Gaza Strip Monday afternoon opened fire at Palestinian terrorists planting an explosive devise near the Karni border crossing. No injuries were reported among the soldiers.
Shortly before the incident a mortar was fired from northern Gaza towards the western Negev. The shell exploded near the security fence separating Israel and the Hamas-rule territory, but caused no injury or damage.
Despite the relative calm in the South, Palestinian terror groups in Gaza have continued to target IDF forces. A little more than a week ago a Golani Brigade force neutralized four explosive devices that had been planted near the Kissufim crossing.
During the incident Palestinians launched mortars in the soldiers' direction and opened fire at them. The IDF estimates that the bombs were planted in order to lure the soldiers into Palestinian territory. There were no injuries among the troops.
Two weeks prior to that incident, the IDF thwarted a major terror attack near Kibbutz Nahal Oz. Four Palestinian gunmen were killed in the incident The terror cell, consisting of 10 to 12 men, had apparently planned to kidnap an Israeli soldier into Gaza.
An IDF investigation into the incident revealed that the gunmen, believed to be affiliated with al-Qaeda, arrived at the Karni crossing with several trucks and at least five horses loaded with explosive devices and mines.
A new organization called "the army of Allah's supporters" claimed responsibility for the foiled terror attack.
