From the Liveblog of
Friday, February 23, 2024
IDF, Shin Bet confirm drone strike in Jenin that killed Islamic Jihad terrorist
Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent
The IDF and Shin Bet security agency confirm carrying out a drone strike in the West Bank city of Jenin last night, which they say targeted and killed a Palestinian Islamic Jihad operative who was on his way to carrying out a terror attack.
The target is identified by the IDF and Shin Bet as Yasser Hanoun, a resident of Jenin, and previously jailed by Israel for his involvement in Islamic Jihad activities.
The joint statement says Hanoun was involved in a large number of shooting attacks in recent months — against IDF troops, army posts, Israeli settlements, and towns over the Green Line.
Recent attacks allegedly carried out by Hanoun included gunfire at the northern kibbutz of Meirav, the settlement of Mevo Dotan, as well as the Salem and Jalamah checkpoints.
“The terrorist was eliminated while en route to carrying out an additional attack,” the IDF says.
The Palestinian Authority health ministry said another 15 people were wounded in the strike on Hanoun’s vehicle in Jenin, including two in critical condition.
כלי-טיס מאויש מרחוק של חיל-האוויר חיסל אמש בפעילות משותפת של צה"ל ושב"כ, את המחבל יאסר חנון. תושב ג'נין, מחבל הג׳יהאד האסלאמי וכלוא לשעבר על רקע מעורבותו בפעילות צבאית מטעם הארגון. pic.twitter.com/ymZPVKvCyQ
— Israeli Air Force (@IAFsite) February 23, 2024
