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World Jewish News
5 gunmen killed as terror attack averted
08.06.2009
A major terrorist attack was averted on Monday morning after IDF troops spotted and fired at Palestinian gunmen approaching the border between Israel and the Gaza Strip, the IDF said.
According to reports, the incident occurred at around 7:00 a.m. when gunmen shot at an IDF patrol south of the Karni Crossing, on the border. The troops fired back, hitting at least four of the Palestinians.
The battle quickly intensified, with Palestinians launching mortars at the IDF position, and the army responding with tank shells. At a certain point, a number of vehicles tried to assist the gunmen in their escape, but an IAF helicopter shot at them.
Palestinians later confirmed that five people were killed in the fire fight.
The IDF assessed that the main group of gunmen, which was comprised of roughly 10 Palestinians, had been assisted by a mortar shell brigade, and that the intent had been a major terrorist attack against the army or an Israeli periphery community.
According to a Hamas Web site, the gunmen belonged to an unknown group calling itself the Soldiers of the Companions of God.
Ismail Haniyeh, who heads Gaza's Hamas government, praised the attackers as "martyrs," and said the violence confirmed Israel's "aggressive intentions" toward the Palestinians.
Following the attack, Israel closed the Karni crossing, the main commercial terminal between Israel and Gaza, as well as the Nahal Oz fuel depot. The IDF said it would reevaluate the closures later in the day.
Источник: JPost.com
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