IDF finds bombs planted outside West Bank village, apparently to target soldiers
The Israel Defense Forces on Sunday morning thwarted an attempt to attack troops with improvised explosive devices in the central West Bank, the military said.
According to the IDF, the explosives were planted outside the village of al-Mughayyir near Ramallah. They were uncovered by IDF troops and then disarmed by police sappers.
“There were no injuries or damage,” the IDF said.
The explosives were buried and covered with dirt for camouflage and rigged to blow if a soldier stepped on them.
Israeli security forces launched an investigation into who planted the explosives.
“IDF soldiers and security forces will continue to operate day and night to ensure the security of residents of the region,” the military said.
The incident came during a period of relative calm in the West Bank.
Earlier this month, a Palestinian man attempted to stab soldiers outside a refugee camp near the southern West Bank city of Hebron, the military said. Troops at the scene opened fire at the suspect, injuring him.
Last month, a member of the Palestinian Authority’s security services opened fire at troops in the northern West Bank, missing them, before he was shot dead by Israeli forces. Though not unprecedented, it is highly unusual for members of Palestinian security forces, which often coordinate closely with the IDF and other Israeli defense agencies, to carry out attacks against Israeli troops and civilians.