Israel’s security forces work around the clock to catch those responsible for carrying out terror attacks.
Israeli security forces killed the Palestinian terrorist who murdered Rabbi Michael Mark, a father of 10, and severely wounded his wife earlier this month, and captured his accomplices during a raid late Tuesday night.
An IDF spokesman stated Wednesday morning that the operation was a culmination of an almost month-long intensive investigation.
Israeli Special Forces, operating with the Shin Bet (Israel’s Security Agency), tracked down the terrorist’s hideout at the Palestinian village of Tsurif, in Gush Etzion.
The forces surrounded the house and called on the terrorist, Mohammed Pakia, to surrender. He responded by firing on the forces. They fired anti-tank rockets into the house he was hiding in and then bulldozed it. He was killed in the clash. The forces found an assault rifle and an improvised grenade near his body.
Pakia, 29, has served time in Israeli prison for previous terror activity and was a member of the Hamas terror organization..
The Shin Bet said that three of Pakia’s accomplices were arrested during the raid.
Mohammed Majid Amaira, 38, a member of the Palestinian Authority’s (PA) security forces, drove the vehicle during the drive-by shooting. He was arrested, and his vehicle and weapons were found.
Pakia’s brother, Saeb, helped him hide. Their cousin, Maez Pakia, also helped hide him. Both were arrested.
The Shin Bet stated that other family members were arrested in connection with the terror attack.
The IDF said a Palestinian woman was lightly injured during the gun battle. She was taken to a hospital for treatment.
Palestinian sources say six people were injured in the incident.
A main power line was hit during the fighting, causing the shutdown of a water pumping facility to the Gush Etzion area. The IDF allowed the electrical company access to the area only a few hours after the raid concluded.
By: Aryeh Savir, World Israel News