8 killed & over 40 wounded in Southern Israel terror attack

8 killed and over 40 wounded in Southern Israel terror attacks

Communicated by the IDF.

19 August 2011

On Thursday August 18, multiple terrorist attacks took place in southern Israel.

At midday, terrorists opened fire on a bus north of Eilat. 8 people died and over 40 people were injured as a result of the attack. The wounded were evacuated to nearby hospitals.

Simultaneously, another bus and two civilian vehicles were attacked, injuring several people.

A short while later, an explosive device was detonated against IDF soldiers who had arrived at the scene, injuring several.

At the same time, several mortar shells were fired from the Gaza Strip at Israeli soldiers who were 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 General Staff, 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.

These were malicious attacks on innocent civilians, who were on their way to the known tourist destination city, 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.

ENDS

© Scoop Media