Security forces foil attempt to smuggle handguns and assault rifle parts from Jordan

Police and IDF say they foiled an attempt to smuggle some 75 handguns and dozens of assault rifle parts from Jordan into the West Bank overnight.

Soldiers monitoring surveillance cameras spotted three suspects crossing the Jordan border, and troops dispatched to the scene located three bags with the guns and weapon parts, police and the IDF say.

It marks the largest weapons bust amid the ongoing war, military officials say. Security forces are still searching for the smugglers.

Weapons smuggling is a constant challenge for Israel, along its long, porous eastern border with Jordan, and in the West Bank.

Israeli officials say Iran has recently made efforts to smuggle weapons to terror groups in the West Bank. Additionally, many guns smuggled into Israel are being used for underworld crime.