IDF troops backed by tanks, helicopters, and naval gunboats took over a PLO-controlled section of the southern Gaza coast, as well as the coast off Netzarim, late last night, in a successful thwarting of an arms-smuggling operation. Ships blocked the coast, and forces fired at a number of barrels they saw floating in the water. At least one of the barrels exploded, confirming the suspicion that it contained weapons and explosives meant to be smuggled into the PA areas. The IDF operation concluded this morning with a search along the shore for barrels that may have gotten through.