Police detain 34 after drone-dropped grenade hits house amid gunfight in northern Arab town

Police say that 34 suspects were arrested overnight in raids across Kafr Kanna following a string of violent incidents tied to an ongoing feud between two local families, after a grenade blast and gunfight rocked the northern Arab town last night.

Large forces from Northern District police and Border Police carried out raids on dozens of targets, detaining suspects allegedly involved in recent shootings and other acts of violence linked to the dispute between the Awawdeh and Taha families.

The arrests come after four people were wounded yesterday evening when a grenade was detonated inside a home in Kafr Kanna, amid a broader exchange of gunfire that erupted after dark. The grenade was allegedly dropped from a drone hovering overhead, tearing through the roof and injuring those inside.

The shootout involved young men from the rival families, who have been locked in a prolonged conflict despite reconciliation efforts. Immediately after the violence, the head of the town’s reconciliation committee convened elders from both families and pressed them to agree to a truce, which they managed to reach within the hour.

Police say some of the detainees are expected to be brought before a court for remand hearings, adding that Northern District police officers are continuing extensive operations to combat crime, including efforts to thwart weapons trafficking and respond rapidly to violent incidents.