Thursday, August 18, 2011

IDF: We'll Pursue Terrorists 'at All Costs'

IDF summary of day's events, photos of medical evacuation.
by Gil Ronen
Published: 18/08/11, 5:55 PM

Medical evacuation
Medical evacuation
Flash 90
The IDF has released a statement summing up Thursday's terror attacks in southern Israel.

"Today's combined terrorist attacks on Israeli civilian vehicles began several hours ago, when gunfire was opened at an Israeli bus," the military said. "Fourteen people were injured as a result and were evacuated to nearby hospitals.  Simultaneously, fire was opened on an additional bus and two civilian vehicles, injuring several people."
 
"An explosive device was detonated on IDF soldiers that arrived at the scene a short while afterwards, injuring several of them."
"Several mortar shells were simultaneously fired from the Gaza Strip at soldiers conducting routine maintenance work on the security fence on the Israel-Egypt border."
 
"The events are ongoing, and are currently being managed by IDF Chief of the GeneralStaff, Lieutenant General Benny Gantz, GOC Southern Command, Major-General Tal Russo and Commander of the Edom (80th) Division, Brigadier-General Tamir Yadi."
 
"GOC Southern Command ordered that Routes 10 and 12 be closed to traffic in order to enable security and rescue forces to perform their jobs. The public is requested to avoid the area."
 
"This is a malicious attack on innocent civilians, who were on their way to the well-known tourist destination city of Eilat, for their summer vacation. The IDF will pursue those responsible for this attack at all costs and will not allow any further harm to Israeli civilians."