 NABLUS, West Bank - Israeli troops killed a top leader of the radical Islamic Jihad in a West Bank raid Saturday, the group said, and the Israelis pressed ahead with their offensive in the Gaza Strip. Islamic Jihad said the leader of its militant wing in Nablus, Hani Awijan, 29, was killed by Israeli undercover troops. They came to arrest him while he was playing soccer with friends and relatives, the group said. Another Islamic Jihad militant was also killed.
| So long Hani, and say 'hi' to Yassar and Himmler for us. |
The army confirmed soldiers operated in Nablus and said a militant was killed in an exchange of fire.
| "You'll never — Ow! Ow! Ouch! — take me — Aaaaiiiieeee! — alive, coppers!" |
Israel Radio said Awijan was responsible for a series of attacks on Israelis. Over the past 17 months, Islamic Jihad has been responsible for all 12 suicide bombing attacks in Israel, killing 71 people. Islamic Jihad announced Awijan's death from mosque loudspeakers.
"Attention in the West Bank! Hani Awijan is dead! That is all!"
"Wot? Wot's that? Dead, y'say?"
"Deader'n a brick. That is all." |
As news of the raid spread through Nablus, large crowds gathered and seethed. Militants made faces burned tires in the streets and rolled their eyes called for a general strike in the city. Shops were quickly closed.
| "Get the shutters down, Fatima, the militants are seething again!" |
| "How they gonna have a strike? They got no jobs not to go to!" |
|