Security Chaos and Proliferation of Small Arms

Clashes between Armed Groups and Security Forces

Field Update

27 April 2006

4 Injured in Clashes between Security Forces and Gunmen near Al-Muntar Crossing

On Wednesday, 26 April 2006, clashes took place between members of Palestinian security forces and an armed group that attempted to smuggle an explosive-laden car into Al-Muntar (Karni) commercial crossing. The clashes resulted in injuring 4 people, including 2 members of the security forces.

PCHR’s preliminary investigation indicates that at 13:45 on Wednesday, Palestinian security forces deployed at a checkpoint near Al-Muntar crossing, east of Gaza City, discovered an 12 gunmen attempting to smuggle a Mitsubishi pickup truck into the crossing. There were 10 explosive charges in the truck. When the security forces attempted to stop the gunmen, both sides clashed with guns. The gunmen called for backup to try and reclaim the vehicle, controlled by the security forces. However, they failed, and withdrew after 2 gunmen were injured. During the clashes 2 security officers were injured. Sources in Shifa Hospital in Gaza City informed PCHR’s fieldworker that the hospital admitted 2 injured security officers, one suffering from serious injuries.