IDF Golani soldiers killed dozens of terrorists in a protracted battle overnight Wednesday in the Gaza Strip, the IDF stated on Thursday morning.

Later on Thursday morning, an Army Radio report provided more details, saying that the terrorists ambushed the soldiers and attempted to take over their armored personnel carriers (APCs).

About 30 terrorists from an elite Hamas force were lying in wait for the soldiers in a prepared ambush – emerging from tunnels and attacking the forces with anti-tank missiles, rocket launchers, and drones.

The terrorists also tried to enter the troops’ APCs and take them over. The soldiers engaged in a prolonged and fierce face-to-face battle with the terrorists, aided by airstrikes from Air Force jets. By the end of the battle, which lasted from about midnight until about 3 a.m., 20 terrorists were killed and 10 escaped.

B’Chasdei Hashem, there were no casualties among IDF forces.

The IDF statement said: “Terrorist squads fired anti-tank missiles, detonated explosive devices, and threw grenades at Golani infantry soldiers and armored forces. In a protracted battle, the soldiers fought back, assisted by artillery and tank shelling while directing air forces and naval forces to attack from the air and sea, eliminating dozens of terrorists.”

“Additionally, during the ground operation, Nachal infantry soldiers encountered a terrorist squad that opened fire at them and directed a fighter jet to carry out an airstrike that eliminated the terrorists.”

“Also, IDF reserve soldiers, with the support of naval fire, directed a fighter jet to attack an anti-tank squad that was preparing to fire at IDF forces.”

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)