IDF Clarifies: Shafts Found Near Qalqilya Not Terror Tunnels

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a clarification on Thursday, stating that two shafts discovered near Qalqilya in the West Bank are not terror tunnels, despite initial reports causing alarm. The clarification came after a nighttime operation by IDF, Border Police, and Shin Bet forces in the city, prompted by intelligence information regarding weapons caches.

During the operation, forces found the two shafts, approximately 12 meters deep, and discovered weapons nearby, including an M16 rifle, a hunting rifle, a pistol, and ammunition. These items were confiscated. The IDF emphasized that after investigating the shafts, the presence of tunnel routes was ruled out, as was the proximity of the shafts to the "Seam Zone" (the area between Israel and the West Bank).

In addition to the weapons, four suspects involved in terror activities were arrested and transferred for interrogation. Security forces are continuing extensive operations in the area to locate and rule out the existence of additional shafts and to find more weapons.

The IDF stated that security forces will continue to act proactively and offensively to thwart terror throughout the Judea and Samaria Division and to maintain the security of residents.