Israeli security forces thwarted a planned Palestinian suicide bombing during a raid on the West Bank town of Nablus on Wednesday. In an earlier morning operation, Israeli paratroopers acting on intelligence information surrounded the home of Palestinian terrorists believed to be planning an attack against Israeli civilians during the fall holiday season.

As many as five of the suspects were killed after they opened fire on and hurled grenades at the advancing Israelis. Two survivors of the gun battle led troops to a hiding place where they had stashed a 22-pound bomb belt, which was later destroyed in a controlled explosion.

There were no Israeli casualties.

A senior officer involved in the operation told The Jerusalem Post, “There is no doubt that we thwarted a major terror attack.”

Palestinian terrorism traditionally increases during the Jewish holiday seasons, when Israelis can be found massed in public areas that are difficult to protect.

AHN