3 Israeli soldiers killed in shooting near Egypt border
JERUSALEM (AA): Three Israeli soldiers were killed in a shooting near the border with Egypt, according to the military on Saturday.
A military spokesman said two soldiers were found dead at an army post on the border.
Shortly after the incident, an exchange of fire was reported with a gunman, as Israeli forces were searching the area, leaving a soldier and the suspect dead.
“During an encounter with a terrorist in Israeli territory, a short while ago, an exchange of fire developed. Troops and commanders engaged and shot and killed him [the suspect],” the army said in a statement.
The Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper said the incident took place after the Israeli army had thwarted an attempt to smuggle a big quantity of drugs, just three kilometers north of the Israeli army post.
The Israeli army has launched an investigation into the circumstances of the incident.