An Egyptian policeman killed three soldiers near the border and was shot dead in an exchange of fire
A soldier and a female soldier were shot dead this morning while securing a military post at the border. According to the IDF, during searches in the area, the Egyptian policeman was identified in Israeli territory. IDF forces killed him, and another soldier was killed in the exchange of fire
Three soldiers were killed this morning (Saturday) in an exchange of fire with an Egyptian policeman who entered Israeli territory and was killed at the end of a confrontation with the army. Early in the morning, the policeman shot to death soldier Lia Ben Nun and another soldier who were near the guard post close to the border, and hours later he killed another soldier who was in the force who was looking for him, and was then killed by the fire of the Israeli forces. The Egyptian army said it crossed the border in pursuit of drug smugglers.
According to the army's investigation, Ben Nun and a security company were observing the border, and hours before the confrontation with the Egyptian policeman, at 2:30, the unit stationed at the scene prevented the smuggling of drugs worth approximately NIS 1.5 million. About four hours later they were shot to death, and their bodies were found separately. The force that was looking for him located him about an hour later, and he was killed in the confrontation after hitting the third soldier.
The IDF estimates that the policeman acted alone, but searches are being conducted to rule out the possibility that there are other armed men in the area. IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari said that this was a "complex and difficult incident", in coordination with Egypt. After the event, the forces will be reinforced in the area, and the commander of the Southern Command, Eliezer Toledano, among others, arrived in the area. Defense Minister Yoav Galant held a situational assessment with the participation of Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and senior members of the defense establishment. The IDF is continuing with scans to rule out suspicion of additional militants.
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The Egyptian border, about two years ago. The smuggling attempt included the use of ladders. Photo: Ilan Assig
The IDF shot dead an Israeli who tried to smuggle drugs near the Egyptian border
Two MGB soldiers were injured by IDF soldiers who tried to thwart drug smuggling at the Egyptian border
The Egyptian army said that the policeman, who was a member of the force in charge of border security, chased drug smugglers and crossed the border fence. As a result, the Egyptians said, three Israeli soldiers were killed and two more were wounded, and the policeman also lost his life. "The Egyptian army is taking all the necessary steps, including scanning and security and legal measures," the Egyptian army said, expressing condolences and wishing a speedy recovery to the wounded.
In December, an Israeli IDF force who tried to smuggle drugs near the border shot and killed him. The incident took place in the area of the Paran regional division, after surveillance had identified suspects. The force was sent to the scene, fired in an attempt to thwart the smuggling and hit one of the suspects. He was pronounced dead a short time later.
At the beginning of last year, two police officers were injured near the border after being hit by IDF fire. The shooting was carried out accidentally, when the force tried to thwart drug smuggling in the area. According to the IDF, during the smuggling, the smugglers started shooting at Israeli territory, and the soldiers returned fire and accidentally hit the MGB fighters.