FreeRepublic , LLC
PO BOX 9771
FRESNO, CA 93794
STOP BY AND BUMP THE FUNDRAISER THREAD
Posted on 01/14/2003 6:10:02 AM PST by Israel Insider
The two terrorists who crossed the Egyptian border Sunday evening and killed an Israeli reserves soldier were armed with more than just Kalashnikov rifles and an explosive device. The terrorists also had dozens of syringes filled with anesthetics; military officials believe they planned to kidnap Israeli soldiers. Hamas spiritual leader Sheikh Ahmed Yassin suggested yesterday his terrorist group might kidnap Israelis as ransom for Palestinian prisoners.
Cpl. Michael Kazakov, 35, was killed during a routine IDF patrol some 15 kilometers north of Nitzana, on the Israeli-Egyptian border. Two terrorists opened fire on the army patrol, and were subsequently engaged by army reinforcements who killed them after a short battle. A third terrorist reportedly fled the scene. Troops discovered Kalashnikov rifles and an explosive device near the terrorists' bodies.
According to media reports, the terrorists had at least forty syringes and a collection of different medicines in their pockets and packs. Some of the drugs were of the sort used in anesthesia operations, Maariv reported, while others were reportedly antibiotics and painkillers.
"Until we find an explanation for these medicines, we will act under the belief that the intention was to kidnap soldiers," a senior military official said.
Military officials have not positively identified all of the drugs, Yediot Aharonot reported. The army believes the terrorists planned to make their way to an IDF outpost and drug soldiers there.
The army issued orders recently for soldiers to be on alert for the possibility that hostile elements would try to kidnap them and use them as bargaining chips in negotiations for Palestinian prisoners. In October 2000, Hizbullah kidnapped three Israeli soldiers on the Lebanese border and an Israeli civilian; though the soldiers are believed to be dead, negotiations through a third party intermediary for a possible prisoner exchange continue to be reported occasionally in the press.
Reason #203 for why Israel will not exist in 25 years...
203. Sheikh Ahmed Yassin has been allowed to live.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.