Bethlehem: IDF kills al-Aqsa Brigades commander

 

Soldiers surround wanted gunman’s home, call on him to surrender; Palestinian opens fire, troops storm house, shoot him dead
Ali Waked

 

IDF forces killed early Monday an al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades commander in Bethlehem.

 

The gunman was later identified as Raad Abiat; an M-16 rifle was found on his body.

 

Another al-Aqsa Brigades member was also detained, and a gun was found in a search of the area.

 

Thirteen additional wanted terror suspects were apprehended during IDF operations throughout the West Bank overnight.

 

Soldiers reached Abiat’s home in the village of Bir Sahur, near Bethlehem, and called on him to come out. The gunman proceeded to open fire at the troops, who decided to storm the house and kill the terrorist.

 

Meanwhile, the Qassam rocket attacks from northern Gaza continued on Sunday. One rocket landed in an open field in the western Negev during the early morning hours; no injuries or damage were reported.

 

It is estimated that a number of additional rockets were fired, but they have not been located as of yet.

 

On Saturday, four Qassam were fired at Israel from north Gaza; the IDF responded with artillery fire.

 

The attacks came amid the IDF’s extensive operation against rocket launching cells, during which Qassam launching pads are attacked from the air, sea and land.