One of the devices found
Photo courtesy of the IDF Spokesman's Unit
Terror attack in Beit El thwarted
IDF forces operating in West Bank uncover three explosive devices. All three detonated by military sappers
Military forces stationed in the West Bank are currently assisting Civil Administration officers' in enforcing settlement freeze orders, but their war on terror continues. On Thursday, two attacks were foiled by troops near the West Bank settlement of Beit El.
Thursday's operations saw IDF forces locate and disarm two explosive devices near the settlement. A third device was found near Beit Omer, along with a set of IDF uniforms supposedly meant to be used as a disguise.
Soldiers patrolling neat Beit El located the two devices – one weighing 11lbs and the other at six – on a road marked for security forces' use only. Both devices were detonated by military sappers.
Earlier, a two-pound explosive device was found near Beit Omer, just south of Gush Etzion. It too was detonated by military sappers.
"These incidents illustrate that there is still motivation to carry out terror attacks on the ground. They also stress the importance of allowing the military a free hand in this area," a military official said
According to military data, while attacks in the form of hurling rocks and Molotov cocktails are ongoing in the West Bank, the use of firearms and explosive devices has been rare in recent months.
