IDF Foils Kidnapping Attempt Near Gaza
by Ze'ev Orenstein - Arutz-7
(IsraelNN.com) The IDF foiled a kidnapping attempt by a group of terrorists early Saturday afternoon near the Kissufim crossing, just outside southern Gaza.
The four terrorists, who drove an armored jeep labeled “TV,” blew a hole in the security fence surrounding Gaza and approached an IDF position posing as journalists.
The terror cell rammed an IDF command jeep and, using RPG’s, grenades and other weapons, opened fire on soldiers in the area. In the ensuing battle, IDF forces managed to kill one of the four terrorists - 19-year-old Mohammed Jaabari - who became separated from the terror cell and attempted to hide in the surrounding area. Jaabari’s location was discovered through the help of the IDF’s canine unit after he shot dead the dog that had spotted him.
The other three terrorists escaped back into Gaza.
Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it was carried out jointly with the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades. "The aim of the operation was to withdraw with the soldier in captivity," Abu Ahmed, a spokesman for Islamic Jihad, said. "But the participation of Israeli helicopters prevented that."
An IDF spokesman said there were no reports of missing soldiers or injuries, and denied early claims by the terror group that a soldier was captured in the raid.
Saturday’s attack represented the first time that Arab terrorists had breached the Gaza security fence since the kidnapping of IDF soldier Gilad Shalit last June.
"Proper readiness by the IDF forces of the Gaza Division and the right actions in the field foiled the attack, apparently a kidnapping attempt," IDF southern region commander, Maj.-Gen. Yoav Galant said.