Fighters from the Tactical Battalion of the Border Police and IDF forces from the Jordan River Valley command prevented the smuggling of dozens of pistols into Israel from Jordan towards the beginning of February. Details of the incident were just released by security forces on Sunday.

“The incident was a very complex operational mission that involved advanced technological devices being operated by fighters and security personnel across the range of the defense forces. We had members of the Tazpitan Unit, combat soldiers lying in ambush, and other top-secret operatives working on this mission to ensure its success” said the commanding officer of one of the units involved in the operation.

On February 7th, security forces noticed a suspicious man trying to cross the border from Jordan into Israel with a bag on his back in the northern Jordan Valley.

Combat soldiers intercepted the individual and arrested him. The suspect was searched and in the backpack was found to be in possession of 37 pistols of different varieties.

Security forces on the ground were also able to arrest three other suspects connected with the smuggling operation, who were waiting in two separate vehicles near the crossing point. The suspects were allegedly supposed to pick up the smuggler and take him to the Palestinian Authority.

All f our men are residents of Nablus and have been remanded into custody and will remain there for their interrogation.

A spokesperson from the border police said that the mission took more than ten hours of teams in the field waiting for the smuggling to happen. “The Tactical division of the Border Police gives Israeli police access to a wide range of capabilities that allow for alternative operational solutions that are creative and well thought out in an effort to limit the amount of crime in Israel and fight against terror. The mix between advanced technology and highly trained personnel allowed for the success of this mission and many others.”

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)