Eighteen wanted Palestinians suspected of terrorist activity were arrested in a joint operation carried out by the IDF and GSA forces in the early morning hours of Wednesday, March 7, 2007 at the military intelligence complex in Ayn Um Al-Shareit, where many Tanzim terrorists have sought refuge.
In recent years, wanted Tanzim members hailing from nearby villages have used the headquarters belonging to the various security arms of the Palestinian Authority as shelters to avoid the Israeli security services. The buildings are also used as bases from which to launch terrorist activities. Among the key sites which the Tanzim uses as cover are the Muqata, the military intelligence headquarters in the Ayn Um Al-Shareit and Harsal neighborhoods, and the general intelligence headquarters in Ayn Um-Al Shareit.
During this period, Israel has notified the Palestinian Authority leadership of the presence of the wanted activists in the various headquarters, most recently a month and a half ago, however to no avail.
Since November 2006, Tanzim terrorists have committed 25 shooting attacks against IDF troops and workers performing maintenance functions at the security fence. As a result of the attacks, six Israeli soldiers and civilians were wounded. These and other attacks were planned - and in some cases carried out - by wanted operatives who have used the military intelligence headquarters as a safe house.
Among the Tanzim members who were arrested was Khalil Yusef Mahmed Shilo, 39, a prominent Tanzim leader. The senior operative masterminded the shooting attack in the village of Ras in October 2006 in retaliation for the death of a Tanzim operative who was killed one month prior. No injuries were reported in the attack.
Despite the many requests submitted to the Palestinian Authority security apparatus to deny the wanted men protection and hand them over to the Israeli security forces, nothing was done in the matter. The IDF will act to strike the terrorist infrastructure and will not hesitate to reach anywhere and anytime terrorists attempt to harm the citizens and the security of the State of Israel.
IDF Spokesperson - Wednesday 07/03/2007 11:02
