Scene of the attack. (TPS)
An alert security guard on Jerusalem’s Light Rail system succeeded in thwarting a potentially devastating bombing attack in downtown Jerusalem on Sunday after he noticed a suspicious-looking man, approached him and then quickly arrested him when he saw an explosive device.
A security guard securing the public transit system noticed a suspicious looking man holding a bag and standing near one of the stops.
The guard approached the suspect and requested to check his bag. When he noticed an explosive device inside, he quickly apprehended the terrorist and alerted the police.
Police sappers were immediately alerted to the scene and dismantled the explosive device that included several pipe bombs.
The bag also contained a few knives.
The center of the capital was shut down for a prolonged period of time, and the tram service was stopped in the city center.
The terrorist was taken into custody.
A police spokesman identified the terrorist as a Palestinian, 20, a resident of the Judea and Samaria region.
A spokesman for Jerusalem’s police stated that the security guard’s vigilance and a quick response by the police thwarted an attack “which could have been a colossal incident.”
Officials said that many innocent people could have been killed or injured had the terrorist gone unnoticed, as the light rail is usually packed with commuters during morning rush hour.
He added that police were investigating broader circles of involvement, possible accomplices and who sent the terrorist. “Sometimes they [suicide terrorists] change their mind on their way. There is no doubt that alertness here prevented a massive terror attack.”
Jerusalem’s Mayor Nir Barkat issued a statement saying that “thanks to the vigilance of light rail security forces of the Jerusalem municipality, a major attack was avoided.” Barkat called on the public to “continue with our routine, keep vigilant and never give in to terror.”
This incident was the latest in a long series of Palestinian terror attacks, which have plagued Israelis over the course of over 10 months, claiming the lives of 39 victims and wounding over 500.
By: Aryeh Savir, World Israel News
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