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IDF intercepts drone smuggling M16 rifles at Egyptian border

The three weapons were handed to security officials.

IDF soldiers recovered three M16 rifles after intercepting a drone that crossed into Israel’s western border, Nov. 10, 2025. Credit: IDF.
IDF soldiers recovered three M16 rifles after intercepting a drone that crossed into Israel’s western border, Nov. 10, 2025. Credit: IDF.

The Israeli military on Monday intercepted a drone attempting to smuggle firearms across the country’s border with Egypt.

IDF surveillance, working in coordination with the air control network, detected the drone as it crossed into Israeli territory from the west earlier in the day, according to the military.

Israeli forces intercepted the drone, which was reportedly carrying three M16 rifles. The seized weapons were transferred to security authorities for further handling, the military said.

As part of an effort to combat smuggling, Israel last week declared the area along its 130-mile border with Egypt a closed military zone.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz’s order is designed to “turn the border-adjacent area into a closed military zone and change the rules of engagement to strike drone operators and smugglers by targeting any unauthorized element penetrating the off-limits area,” his office said.

Smugglers in Israel and Egypt have been collaborating to bring over restricted items from Sinai, including weapons.

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