IDF foils two weapon smuggling attempts from Egypt

Israeli forces have thwarted two separate attempts to smuggle firearms and ammunition into the country from Egypt, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) announced in a statement.

The first incident occurred on Tuesday evening, July 1, when IDF surveillance personnel operating in the Paran Brigade sector identified a drone crossing the border from Egyptian territory into Israel.

Acting swiftly, IDF troops were dispatched to the site and successfully recovered the drone, which was found to be carrying ten firearms.

"IDF observation posts in the Paran Brigade area yesterday evening (July 1) detected a drone that crossed the border from Egypt into Israel with the aim of smuggling weapons. IDF soldiers discovered the drone, which was carrying ten firearms, and seized them," the military's press service confirmed.

A second smuggling attempt was intercepted early Wednesday, July 2. According to the army's report, troops from the Paran Brigade spotted a suspicious vehicle in the border area. After initiating a pursuit, the soldiers managed to apprehend the driver.

Upon inspection of the vehicle, IDF personnel discovered 14 additional firearms. Both the weapons and the car were confiscated at the scene.

“The suspect and the seized weapons have been handed over to security forces for further investigation,” the IDF stated.

By Tamilla Hasanova