Armed individuals attempted to infiltrate Israel from Egypt
Armed individuals attempted to infiltrate Israel from the Egyptian side (photo: Getty Images)
According to reports from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), approximately 20 suspects, including several armed individuals, arrived at the Egyptian border, according to the IDF's Telegram channel and Times of Israel.
According to sources, the suspects were attempting to smuggle drugs into Israel.
"A short while ago, approximately 20 suspects including several that were armed, arrived from Egyptian territory toward the area of the border with Israel, adjacent to the Nitzana opening," reported the IDF.
Israeli military forces engaged in a shootout with the armed individuals. According to the IDF, several of the suspects were wounded.
"IDF soldiers who operated in the area opened fire toward the armed individuals, and hits were identified," reported the Israel Defense Forces.
The source notes that incidents involving drug smuggling frequently occur along the Egyptian border, sometimes leading to armed confrontations.
One injury has been reported on the Israeli side.
Situation at the Gaza Strip border with Egypt
On January 13, Tel Aviv informed Cairo of its intention to launch a military operation to establish control over the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt. Concurrently, Egypt rejected Israel's proposal for joint patrols involving Israeli forces on the Egyptian side of the border.
Earlier, it was reported that Israel was planning a military operation to assert control over the border between Gaza and Egypt.
It was also mentioned that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supported the closure of the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt.
