Two Palestinian security services members killed
Following a shootout in the old city of Nablus between Palestinian security forces and gunmen, PA President Mahmoud Abbas issues statement and city-wide manhunt ensues.
Hours after the incident, Palestinian security forces deployed large numbers of men to the Old City of Nablus where the attack occurred. Security forces launched a manhunt for the two suspects and in the early morning hours Friday, identified their residence.
Security forces raided the apartment and in the ensuing exchange of gunfire, the two militants were seriously wounded. They were evacuated to a city hospital and shortly thereafter confirmed dead.
Palestinian security services discovered three M-16 rifles in the apartment following the raid. Security services estimate that there are more militants who took part in the attack and the manhunt continues throughout the city.
Following the incident, President Mahmoud Abbas issued a statement on the death of the two members of Palestinian security forces.
In the past year, there have been several serious incidents between gunmen and members of security forces in Nablus. The incidents are criminal in nature and have arisen as a result of criminal elements attempting to challenge the Palestinian Authority for control over the city.
At the end of last June, two security officers were killed in Nablus by gunfire directed at them after they responded to an assault on the home of another officer.
