In response to yesterday’s suicide bombing attack on a Israeli bus that left 17 Israelis dead, IDF troops last night, backed by tanks and other armed vehicles, entered PLO-controlled Ramallah and surrounded Yasser Arafat’s Mukata compound. Israel radio reports that two Palestinians were killed in an exchange of gunfire with the soldiers. Arafat was in the compound at the time of the offensive. There were no reports of injuries to IDF forces.
The troops began pulling back from the compound this morning, but not before leveling six buildings within the compound. Israeli officials say the IDF had no intention of harming Yasser Arafat in the operation.
At the same time, the IDF continues to operate in the northern Shomron town of Jenin. Yesterday’s Arab suicide bomber, a member of the Islamic Jihad gang, had been deployed from that city, which is known as a terrorist stronghold. In addition, troops arrested dozens of suspected terrorists in the Tul Karem area.
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has cancelled the New York leg of his upcoming trip to the United States due to the security situation. Sharon was scheduled to depart this evening but will instead fly directly to Washington on Saturday night, in preparation for a Monday meeting with US President George W. Bush.
The troops began pulling back from the compound this morning, but not before leveling six buildings within the compound. Israeli officials say the IDF had no intention of harming Yasser Arafat in the operation.
At the same time, the IDF continues to operate in the northern Shomron town of Jenin. Yesterday’s Arab suicide bomber, a member of the Islamic Jihad gang, had been deployed from that city, which is known as a terrorist stronghold. In addition, troops arrested dozens of suspected terrorists in the Tul Karem area.
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has cancelled the New York leg of his upcoming trip to the United States due to the security situation. Sharon was scheduled to depart this evening but will instead fly directly to Washington on Saturday night, in preparation for a Monday meeting with US President George W. Bush.