Palestinian security forces launch a rare crackdown on militants in the West Bank

Guno צְבִי

We fight, We win, Am Yisrael Chai
JENIN, West Bank (AP) — Palestinian security forces have launched a rare crackdown against local militant groups in the northern West Bank, sending in armored cars and engaging in fierce gunbattles that have killed at least two people in the volatile area.

The raid marks an unusual step for the Palestinian Authority, the governing body for semi-autonomous pockets in the occupied West Bank that is internationally recognized but has largely lost control of militant strongholds such as Jenin, where forces operated through the weekend and into Monday.

 
On Saturday, Palestinian security forces said they had begun the operation in the Jenin refugee camp, a longtime militant stronghold. The operation was continuing Monday, with AP reporters hearing heavy gunfire and spotting at least two Palestinian armored vehicles roaming the outskirts of the camp.

The security forces are “operating according to a clear political vision” from Palestinian leadership “on the importance of imposing order, establishing the rule of law, restoring civil peace and societal security,” spokesman Brig. Gen. Anwar Rajab said. The troops were focused on “eradicating” Iran-backed groups that were trying to incite “chaos and anarchy,” he added.
 
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