Search for third terrorist from Jordan ongoing but intelligence officials believe only two crossed border

Forces are still searching for a third terrorist who may have crossed from the Jordanian border, The Times of Israel has learned, but intelligence and trackers believe that there were only two terrorists, both of whom were killed.

The efforts will continue till late afternoon and will include making sure there are no other attempts at terrorist attacks in the area.

The incident occurred south of Neot HaKikar, a moshav on the border with Jordan, where the border fence consists of coils of barbed wire piled on each other.

An observation soldier saw the terrorists cutting the fence with a wirecutter and declared a “Parash Turki,” a codeword meaning infiltration through the fence.

A patrol jeep manned by Home Front Command soldiers arrived 10-15 minutes later, saw the terrorists, and exited the jeep about 100 meters from the terrorists, who were crouching in a ditch along the border road.

The terrorists opened fire with Glock pistols as the IDF force charged at them. They hit one soldier in the leg and one in the buttocks.

One terrorist was killed about 30 yards from the jeep, the other managed to make it to the jeep and died on its hood.

The jeep had at least eight bullet holes in it as well.

The chain of command up to the division commander arrived and began searches for additional terrorists. IAF helicopters and UAVs are assisting the search, and security has been reinforced in communities in the area.