Israeli Forces Bust Hamas Terror Cell, Uncover Rocket in Samaria Raid

During the operation, security forces discovered a rocket without a launcher and immediately destroyed it.

By United with Israel Staff

Israeli security forces dismantled a 10-member Hamas terror cell and discovered a rocket during a counterterror operation in the village of Aqaba in northern Samaria, the IDF announced Sunday.

IDF troops and Yamam counterterror officers, operating under Shin Bet intelligence and the command of the Menashe Brigade, completed the operation Sunday morning.

According to the IDF, the 10 Hamas terrorists were involved in advancing plans for attacks against Israeli civilians.

During the operation, security forces discovered a rocket without a launcher and immediately destroyed it.

Following the interrogation of one of the arrested terrorists, forces were also led to a concealed weapons cache containing an M16 rifle and large quantities of explosives intended for manufacturing explosive devices. The weapons and explosives were destroyed at the scene.

The operation comes amid a broader Israeli counterterror push across northern Samaria in recent days.

On Friday, Duvdevan commandos arrested a five-member terror cell in nearby Qabatiya that the IDF said was planning an attack against Israeli civilians and security forces. The suspects were apprehended less than 10 minutes after the commandos reached the targeted locations, with troops later uncovering an M16 rifle and additional military equipment.

In a separate 48-hour operation in Shechem (Nablus) and surrounding villages last week, troops searched hundreds of locations, questioned dozens of suspects and arrested more than 10 wanted individuals.

Israeli forces also destroyed more than 30 lathes used to manufacture weapons and seized hidden rifles, handguns and ammunition.

The IDF said security forces would continue proactive operations to dismantle terrorist infrastructure throughout Judea and Samaria and protect Israeli civilians.