IDF targets militants, arms dealers in West Bank sweep

The Israel Defence Forces, alongside the border police and local police, carried out an extensive counterterrorism operation in the town of Qalqilya in the West Bank.

According to a statement from the IDF spokesperson’s office, over the past day, three army battalions conducted coordinated actions across multiple neighbourhoods in the city.

During the operation, hundreds of addresses were searched, and various weapons were seized, including M16 rifles, another type of rifle, and dozens of rounds of ammunition. The forces also arrested arms dealers, militants, and individuals suspected of involvement in preparing explosives.

During the operation, Israeli soldiers opened fire and neutralised a militant who posed an immediate threat to the unit while in a hazardous area.

Earlier, on December 3, the IDF discovered five-barrel rocket launchers loaded with rockets in the northern Gaza Strip, near the Yellow Line. The military stated that these launchers were intended to be fired toward Israeli territory.

Troops from the 2nd Brigade have been operating in the area to secure and clear it, in accordance with the ceasefire agreement and directives from Israel’s political leadership. The Southern Command emphasised that forces will continue working to neutralise any remaining threats in the region.

This operation highlights Israel’s ongoing efforts to maintain security along the West Bank and Gaza Strip, ensuring the removal of weapons and the prevention of attacks against its territory.

By Tamilla Hasanova