West Bank barrier
Photo: Reuters
Bomb explodes near West Bank security barrier
Two days after Palestinians clash with security forces at Temple Mount compound and Qalandiya, explosive device apparently meant to harm IDF troops explodes prematurely; no injuries reported
A bomb exploded Sunday night near the West Bank security barrier, northwest of Ramallah. There were no reports of injury or damage.
Israeli defense officials believe the explosive device was meant to target an IDF force. Israeli security forces were combing the area in search of the perpetrators.
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The device apparently consisted of a gas tank placed inside a tire, to which a detonator was attached.
The bomb was planted near the security barrier, in an area that is frequently patrolled by IDF forces. The device apparently exploded prematurely for unknown reasons.
About a week ago Border Guard officers discovered a powerful eight-kilogram (about 18 pounds) bomb near Beit Omer, a village located north of Hebron.
On Friday dozens of Palestinians clashed with IDF soldiers near the Qalandiya checkpoint, located north of Jerusalem. A 25-year-old Palestinian man - Tala'th Ramaya of A-ram - was killed in the skirmish, while five others were injured. The clashes resumed during Ramaya's funeral on Saturday.
According to the Palestinians, the rioting erupted to protest a plan by Israeli rightists to visit the Temple Mount in Jerusalem's Old City. The army said Ramaya fired several flares at the troops from close range. The soldiers, believing they were in imminent danger, returned fire.
The riot near the Qalandiya checkpoint joined other riots in several east Jerusalem neighborhoods including Silwan, Isawiya and Ras al-Amoud, which followed a mass riot on Temple Mount.
Eleven police officers and 15 Palestinians were lightly hurt lightly during another riot that broke out Friday afternoon at the Temple Mount compound itself.
Hundreds of Muslim worshippers gathered at the Mughrabi Gate after Friday's prayer and began stoning security forces at the scene, eventually forcing the troops to storm the compound in order to evacuate them.
Ten Palestinians were later arrested in connection with the riots.
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