2 Egyptian policemen killed near border

Bedouin smugglers shoot, kill two Egyptian border guards trying to stop them from infiltrating Israel. Second border incident sees Golani forces pursue armed smugglers near border. IDF chief orders to increase border patrols

Yoav Zitun|Last update: 11.24.11 , 01:06

Two Egyptian policemen were shot and killed Wednesday night, in the area between Kadesh Barnea, on the Egypt-Israel border, and Gaza Strip.

Cairo's media reported that two Egyptian soldiers were killed in two separate incidents near the Rafah border, and that both were killed by Bedouin smugglers.

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According to information made available by the IDF, the evening's events began to unfold around 8 pm, when a group of drug smugglers attempting to infiltrate the border came across Egyptian policemen patrolling the fence.

The ensuing fire exchange left two Egyptian troops dead. Their bodies were evacuated from the scene by armored personnel carrier moments later.

IDF forces patrolling the area on the Israeli side of the border were aware of the incident, but in accordance with military protocol, refrained from interfering.

The Egypt-Israel border (Photo: AP)

Some 30 minutes later, suspected vehicles were spotted driving to and away from the border fence near Eilat. Around 9:30 pm, Golani Brigade forces from the elite Egoz Reconnaissance Unit spotted yet another infiltration attempt by armed drug smuggles.

The force began pursuing the smugglers, who fired at the soldiers. The soldiers returned fire, injuring at least one of the smugglers. A civilian vehicle, which was apparently en route to a rendezvous point with the smugglers, was spotted fleeing the scene.

According to the Egyptian media, officers Nas'at Muhammad and Mohamed Ahmed, both 22-years-old, were killed by Bedouin smugglers in Wednesday's incidents. Egypt's Al-Wafd website said that the remains of both men were transported to al-Arish to be autopsied. According to reports, the smugglers were able to flee the scene.

הנשק שנלקח שלל ממבריחי הסמים החמושים (צילום: דובר צה"ל)

Weapons sized for the smugglers (Photo: IDF)

The cooperation between the Israeli and Egyptian security forces proved efficient and professional throughout the night's events. The IDF said that the Egyptians recognized immediately that their troops were killed by the smugglers.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz ordered the GOC southern command to increase patrols along the southern border. The IDF will launch a full inquiry into the incident at first light.

The Israel-Egypt border has become volatile ground since August, when an Islamic Jihad terror cell infiltrated the border and killed 11 Israelis, leaving dozens of others wounded.

In the ensuing pursuit, five Egyptian border guards were killed. The incident cause tension between Jerusalem and Cairo; and after an extensive investigation of the incident, Defense Minister Ehud Barak issued an official statement expressing Israel's regret over the death of Egyptian troops.

Israel has been following the political upheaval in Egypt carefully. Since August's fatal attacks, IDF forces have increased deployment along Highways 10 and 12, which run along the border. Both remain closed to civilian traffic.

A recent security assessment held by the defense establishment as part of lessons learned form the attacks has prompted the IDF to order a change in civilian and military flight routes in the area.

Last week, IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz told the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee that the security fence along the Israeli-Egyptian border is expected to be completed by the end of 2012, adding that he has ordered the army to speed up construction.