Israeli security forces killed Farouk Salama, 28, leader of the Jenin branch of the Al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), on Thursday, the IDF reported.
Following precise intelligence, soldiers entered a building in which the suspect was located. After an exchange of fire, Salama managed to run away. During a search for the suspect, he drew a gun. Soldiers responded with live fire and killed him.
Other armed terrorists fired at the soldiers, who responded in kind. Hits were identified. No IDF injuries were reported, according to an army statement.
Five additional wanted individuals were apprehended. A handgun and an M-16 rifle in their possession were confiscated, as was Salama’s handgun.
Salama was involved in shooting attacks against Israeli forces and was suspected of planning more attacks, the IDF said.
He played a role in the killing of IDF Chief Warrant Officer Noam Raz. Raz, a member of Yamam, an elite unit of the Israel Border Police, was shot by a terrorist in Jenin on May 13 during IDF operational activity.
Salama is also suspected of conspiring with the Lions’ Den, a terrorist group based in Nablus, to carry out major attacks. Israeli forces, after successfully targeting the group, announced the end of a closure around the city on Thursday.
