IDF force kills gunman near Gaza border
Soldiers open fire at gunmen attempting to infiltrate Israel near Kerem Shalom, killing one. Palestinian source says gunmen belonged to al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades cell planned to carry out suicide attack in army outpost
An IDF force shot and killed an armed terrorist near the border fence in southern Gaza early Thursday morning. A bullet-proof vest and a Kalashnikov rifle were found on the man's body.
The force sighted two suspicious figures moving near the fence north of Kerem Shalom. When they approached the area, one of the men opened fire at the soldiers, who responded with fire. The force then entered the Strip area to examine the weapons that the gunman was carrying.
"This is another attempt by the terrorist organizations to carry out an attack against IDF forces patrolling the fence," said an army official. "These actions take place all the time, and like in previous incidents, the force operated well and succeeded in thwarting the attack."
According to a Palestinian source, the incident was an attempt by an al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades cell to infiltrate Israel. A source in the organization told Ynet that a group numbering four gunmen tried to reach an IDF outpost in the area, and after a gunfight erupted, three of the members managed to withdraw, while the fourth had been shot dead.
The sources said that the cell planned to carry out a suicide bombing at the army post.
Ali Waked contributed to the report
