IDF at Sinai border
IDF at Sinai borderIsrael news photo: Flash 90

The IDF wounded one of several terrorists in a shootout at the Sinai border Monday night, one day after foiling another bomb smuggling attempt.

The soldiers were on routine patrol when they spotted suspects who had infiltrated across the border and did not respond to orders to halt. The patrol acted according to protocol and shot towards their feet, but the terrorists opened fire and engaged the soldiers in a firefight,

One of the terrorists was wounded, and the others fled back into Egypt. The soldiers were not injured, and the terrorist later died of his wounds.

The night before, a routine patrol identified terrorists, who fled but left behind a large bag that was filled with high-powered explosives, which sappers neutralized. A similar incident occurred last week, with the IDF discovering a bag of explosives at daylight after the terrorists escaped at night.

The army has noted that Bedouin tribes are cooperating with Gaza-based terrorists, who have infiltrated into the Sinai Peninsula with explosives intended to be used for attacks against Israeli civilians and soldiers.

The army has beefed up patrols along the border, where a fence is being built and is to be completed by the end of the year.