Firearms used in clash
Photo: Shaul Golan
Man killed in mosque brawl
Knives, guns used as Arab clans clash east of Tel Aviv Saturday; three people wounded
Lethal brawl outside mosque: A man was killed Saturday and three other people were wounded as two Arab clans clashed outside a mosque in Lod, just east of Tel Aviv.
Two of the wounded were taken to hospital in moderate to serious condition.
Brawl scene (Photo: Ofer Amram)
The brawl, pitting members of the Azbarga and Abu-Saluk clans against each other, started around 5:30 pm, after members of one of the clans apparently prevented rival clan members from joining a prayer session at the mosque, located near Lod's central bus station.
According to eyewitness testimonies, both knives and firearms were used in the massive brawl. Forensics experts at the site spotted large blood stains throughout the area as well as bullet casings.
Revenge acts feared
One of the men wounded in the clash, a member of the Azbarga family, was rushed to hospital in critical condition but succumbed to his wounds. His death was pronounced by doctors. Two other people suffered numerous stab wounds and are hospitalized in moderate to serious condition.The third man hurt in the brawl was said to be in moderate condition.
Large police forces headed by Coastal Plain District Commander Shimon Ben-Haroush arrived at the scene of the lethal fracas and launched an investigation into the incident. Central Unit investigators were also on hand to gather evidence at the site.
Meanwhile, police officers have been deployed at the homes of members of the two clans for fear of revenge attacks.
