IDF Commandos Foil Planned Terror Attack in Samaria

The commandos arrested the suspects within less than 10 minutes of entering the targeted locations.

By United with Israel Staff

Israeli forces arrested a five-member terror cell planning an attack against Israeli civilians and security forces during a special overnight operation near Qabatiya in northern Samaria, the IDF announced Friday.

Duvdevan commandos, operating under the direction of the Shin Bet and the Menashe Brigade, carried out the raid following an intelligence operation that identified the cell.

According to the IDF, all five terrorists were involved in advancing plans for attacks. The commandos arrested the suspects within less than 10 minutes of entering the targeted locations.

Searches of the terrorists’ homes uncovered an M16 rifle and additional weapons that had been concealed by the suspects.

The five were transferred to security forces for further interrogation.

The arrests came as the IDF announced the completion of a separate 48-hour counterterror operation in the Shechem (Nablus) area and surrounding villages.

Troops from the Samaria Brigade, directed by Shin Bet intelligence, searched hundreds of locations, questioned dozens of suspects and arrested more than 10 wanted individuals during the operation.

Israeli forces also seized and destroyed more than 30 lathes used to manufacture weapons.

Additional weapons, including rifles, handguns and ammunition, were discovered hidden during the searches and confiscated.

The IDF said its forces would continue proactive counterterror operations throughout Judea and Samaria to protect local residents and Israeli civilians.