An IDF force carrying out a routine security mission on the Egyptian border identified a suspicious-looking man carrying a bag who was about to cross the border into Israel Wednesday night.

The IDF said that the force carried out its procedure for arresting suspects, which includes firing warning shots in the air. As a result, the suspect threw down the bag and fled.

The IDF force combed the area and found the bag, which contained an estimated at 15 kg. of explosives. A specialized force carried out a controlled detonation of the charge. IDF sources said that the blast was a powerful one and that the explosives were intended to cause serious damage.

Southern Command Head Maj-Gen Yoav Galant praised the IDF force for its alertness and professionalism.