Multifocal terror attack hits south
I can't even begin to describe how mad I am! It's bad enough that there is a coordinated triple attack on Israeli citizens and civilians nowhere near disputed territories, but the fact that fire is coming in from Egypt bodes ill for what used to be a strong and firm alliance.
Terrorists launch several terror attacks against Israeli targets, IDF forces in south. Over a dozen people injured. MDA declares mass casualty event; roads to Eilat and Ovda Airfield closed
Ahuva Mamus
Published: 08.18.11, 12:24 / Israel News
Terrorists launched a multifocal terror attack on Israel's south on Thursday, injuring over two dozen people.
In the first incident, Egged bus number 392, traveling from Beersheba to the southern resort city of Eilat was ambushed. Eleven people were wounded in the attack, which took place on Highway 12, about 30km north of Eilat, near the Ein Netafim junction.
Security forces, as well as Magen David Adom emergency services' teams, were immediately dispatched to the scene. The injured were triaged on site and rushed to the Yoseftal Medical Center in Eilat.
Soon after that a second incident was reported involving yet another shooting on a bus and a private vehicle traveling south. Five people reportedly suffered mortal wounds in the attack.
A third incident was reported at around 1pm, involving multiple roadside bombs and rocket fire at IDF forces patrolling the Israel Egypt border fence.
According to the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit, soldiers were among the wounded in these incidents. IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen Benny Gantz and Southern Command Chief Major-General Tal Russo are en route to Eilat.
All of the roads leading to Eilat have been closed. Security forces are currently canvassing the area in search of suspects. IDF aircrafts are assisting in the search, as well as extensive Counter-Terror Unit forces.
Heavy security forces presence is noted in the area. The Eilat Police have ordered an emergency deployment in the area, and a situation room has been set up at the Yoseftal Hospital, which has declared a mass casualty event.
Defense establishment sources said that the fire originated from the Egyptian side of the border. Egyptian security forces have been alerted and are reportedly conducting a simultaneous manhunt.
The Ovda Airfield has been closed to all flights. Eilat's airport has been placed on alert.
Reuters and Hanan Greenberg contributed to this report
Ahuva Mamus
Published: 08.18.11, 12:24 / Israel News
Terrorists launched a multifocal terror attack on Israel's south on Thursday, injuring over two dozen people.
In the first incident, Egged bus number 392, traveling from Beersheba to the southern resort city of Eilat was ambushed. Eleven people were wounded in the attack, which took place on Highway 12, about 30km north of Eilat, near the Ein Netafim junction.
Security forces, as well as Magen David Adom emergency services' teams, were immediately dispatched to the scene. The injured were triaged on site and rushed to the Yoseftal Medical Center in Eilat.
Soon after that a second incident was reported involving yet another shooting on a bus and a private vehicle traveling south. Five people reportedly suffered mortal wounds in the attack.
A third incident was reported at around 1pm, involving multiple roadside bombs and rocket fire at IDF forces patrolling the Israel Egypt border fence.
According to the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit, soldiers were among the wounded in these incidents. IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen Benny Gantz and Southern Command Chief Major-General Tal Russo are en route to Eilat.
All of the roads leading to Eilat have been closed. Security forces are currently canvassing the area in search of suspects. IDF aircrafts are assisting in the search, as well as extensive Counter-Terror Unit forces.
Heavy security forces presence is noted in the area. The Eilat Police have ordered an emergency deployment in the area, and a situation room has been set up at the Yoseftal Hospital, which has declared a mass casualty event.
Defense establishment sources said that the fire originated from the Egyptian side of the border. Egyptian security forces have been alerted and are reportedly conducting a simultaneous manhunt.
The Ovda Airfield has been closed to all flights. Eilat's airport has been placed on alert.
Reuters and Hanan Greenberg contributed to this report
Comment