Gunfire from Sinai hits structure in Israel's south
IDF estimates that bullet was fired during smuggling attempt through Egypt-Israel border, as Sinai forces clashed with smugglers; no injuries reported
According to the IDF, the shooting was most likely accidental and authorities do not perceive it as a terror attack.
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Preliminary investigation estimated that the shooting had possibly occurred during an Egyptian force's attempt to foil smuggling through the Israeli-Egyptian border.
The stray shooting, which hit a structure in the Negev town of Bnei Netzarim, followed the explosion of a rocket in an open area at the Eshkol Regional Council Wednesday.
No injuries or damage were reported. A Color Red siren sounded prior to the hit.
Recently, Egyptian intelligence officials said they believed that Bedouin and militant groups are collaborating in arms, drugs, and human trafficking operations as a means to fund terrorist activities, and last week, an indictment was filed against two residents of southern Israel for allegedly smuggling a 100 kilos of hash through the Israeli-Egyptian border last month.
Egyptian cannabis farmers have exploited lax security in Sinai to expand cultivation since the uprising that swept Hosni Mubarak from power in 2011, an official said.
In general, the rise in cannabis cultivation and drug trafficking reflects a broader lawlessness in Sinai.
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