From the Liveblog of
Monday, March 4, 2024
Shin Bet arrests Islamic State-inspired West Bank cell that manufactured 100 explosive devices
Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent
The Shin Bet security agency says it recently foiled an Islamic State-inspired attack by four West Bank Palestinians who manufactured some 100 explosive devices to be used against IDF troops.
The four suspects, arrested last month, are named by the Shin Bet as Murad Marqatan, Hasin Marqatan, Muhammad Marqatan, and Ahmed Marqatan, all residents of Tarqumiyah near Hebron.
The Shin Bet says the cell prepared some 100 explosive devices using online guides and instructions received by the head of the cell, Murad Marqatan, who contacted Islamic State operatives abroad.
The cell also had assault rifles and makeshift submachine guns, the agency says.
It says the cell planned to attack IDF troops in the West Bank.
The 100 bombs were safely detonated by police sappers, and other weapons were seized.
The four have been charged with serious security offenses, the Shin Bet says.
The Times of Israel Community.