Air and Ground Assault
Operation Five Stones: IDF Launches Major Counterterror Operation in Samaria After Identifying New Terror Hubs
The IDF, Shin Bet, and Border Police launched a broad and sustained counterterrorism operation, "Operation Five Stones," in northern Samaria, utilizing IAF strikes to isolate the area before ground forces searched dozens of structures and seized terror funds.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), in coordination with the Shin Bet security agency and Israel Border Police, has launched a broad and sustained counterterrorism operation in northern Samaria, code-named "Operation Five Stones" (likely referring to the "five villages" area). The operation, led by the Judea and Samaria Division, was initiated following preliminary intelligence identifying attempts to establish terrorist strongholds and construct terror infrastructures in the area.
The operation, which began early Wednesday morning, saw the deployment of troops from the Commando Brigade, the Samaria Regional Brigade, and the Menashe Regional Brigade.
Isolating the Area and Hitting Targets
In a significant move to ensure the forces' safety and operational success, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) struck targets from the air immediately as the operation began and before ground forces entered the area. This air support was crucial for isolating and containing the area of operations.
Following the strikes, security forces began extensive search operations in dozens of structures and initiated the questioning of suspects. During one of the searches, forces located an observational control room used by the terrorists and successfully confiscated terror funds, cutting off a source of financing for the terrorist groups.
The operation is expected to be broad and protracted, potentially including the imposition of a closure on the area.
Preventing Terrorist Consolidation
The operation follows a recent, successful activity involving elite forces, including the Duvdevan Unit, Yamam, and Shin Bet forces, during which three terrorists involved in attacks against Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers were eliminated.
The current operation is a proactive measure designed to prevent the establishment of new, consolidated terrorist entities in the region. The IDF and Shin Bet issued a joint statement affirming their commitment to continuous action:
"The IDF and Shin Bet will continue to proactively operate in order to prevent the establishment of terrorism in the area and to thwart any threat against Israeli civilians."
By striking targets, seizing communication infrastructure, and cutting off funding, the security forces aim to disrupt the terrorist organizations' ability to reorganize and launch future attacks. The sustained nature of "Operation Five Stones" suggests the security establishment is determined to eradicate the nascent terror hubs before they become firmly entrenched.