Synopsis
On February 21, three empty buses exploded in the Tel Aviv area, with additional explosive devices found. No injuries occurred, and security forces are investigating potential links to terrorist activities in the region.Key Takeaways
- Three empty buses exploded near Tel Aviv.
- Explosive devices found on additional buses.
- No injuries reported.
- Security measures heightened across Israel.
- IDF launching operations in the West Bank.
Jerusalem, Feb 21 (NationPress) Three vacant buses erupted in flames at the same time in the vicinity of Tel Aviv, Israel, while explosive devices were discovered on at least two additional buses before they could explode, according to police who labeled the incident a "suspected terror attack".
No injuries have been reported, as per Israel's Magen David Adom rescue service on Thursday.
The blasts took place on Thursday night in buses parked in lots in Bat Yam, a southern suburb of Tel Aviv. Videos shared online depicted the vehicles engulfed in flames, with one image revealing a bus completely incinerated, leaving only a charred skeleton, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Another explosive device was located before it detonated on a bus in Holon, a nearby suburb, with yet another found on the outskirts of Tel Aviv.
"Bomb disposal teams are currently working to neutralize them," stated Tel Aviv District Commander Haim Sargarof during a press briefing.
"This represents a large-scale event happening simultaneously at a minimum of five locations," Sargarof added.
He mentioned that the explosive devices shared similar traits, were classified as non-standard explosives, and came equipped with timers. "This seems to be typical of the (occupied) West Bank," he noted.
Light rail services in the Tel Aviv region were suspended as security forces conducted searches for additional possible devices.
Public transport throughout the nation was briefly halted as the Transportation Ministry instructed bus drivers and train operators to stop vehicles and perform security checks.
In response to the attempted series of bus bombings, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to launch a significant operation in the West Bank targeting terrorist strongholds, according to his office.
He also directed the police and Shin Bet to "intensify preventative measures" in Israel's cities to thwart further attacks.
These directives followed a meeting with Defence Minister Israel Katz, IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar, and Police Commissioner Daniel Levy.
The IDF stated it is investigating Thursday evening’s bus explosions in Bat Yam and Holon in conjunction with the Shin Bet security agency and Israel Police.
After a recent assessment, the military announced that its counterterrorism operation in the West Bank will persist and focus on specific areas based on the investigation's findings.
Moreover, the IDF reported that it has blocked several checkpoints leading into the West Bank in designated regions and will enhance operations in the so-called seam zone, the area between the Green Line and Israel’s West Bank barrier.
