Israeli army launches massive operation after bus bombings

The Times of Israel on February 21 quoted a statement from the Office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying that he had just directed the army to conduct a massive campaign in the West Bank against terrorist cells, after a series of bus bombings.

He also ordered police and intelligence forces to "increase preventive activities" in Israeli cities to prevent attacks. The decision was made after a meeting with Defense Minister Israel Katz, Army Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and heads of police and intelligence agencies.

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Police said three buses were bombed in parking lots in the cities of Bat Yam and Holon near Tel Aviv on the evening of February 20, suspected to be carried out by terrorists in the West Bank.

No one was injured as the three buses were empty. Police suspect the terrorists planned to blow themselves up on the morning of February 21, but timed it wrong. Two other devices were found on nearby buses in Holon, each containing 5 kg of explosives.

A bus burned to the frame in the city of Bat Yam on February 20.

Police said they were combing the scene and searching for a suspect, while the bomb squad was searching for any other suspicious items in the vicinity.

Transport Minister Miri Regev had earlier ordered all buses, trains and light rail services to be stopped and searched. Bus drivers across the country were instructed to search their vehicles before operating. Security has been stepped up at Ben Gurion Airport, including strict checks on all buses entering and leaving the airport area.

Tel Aviv police chief Haim Sargarof said the devices had timers but they were homemade explosives and the attack "appeared to have come from the West Bank".

He said there was "something written" on the devices, but did not elaborate, while some media outlets mentioned "revenge threats" written on one or more of the explosive devices.

No organization has claimed responsibility for the bombings.

Before Netanyahu’s announcement, Katz said he had instructed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to step up operations in the West Bank. The IDF has been conducting a major operation in the northern West Bank since January 21, dubbed Operation Iron Wall, to prevent terrorism.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/quan-doi-israel-tien-hanh-chien-dich-ram-ro-sau-khi-loat-xe-bust-bi-danh-bom-185250221064757091.htm