The explosion that killed eight IDF soldiers in a Namer armored personnel carrier in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip over Shabbos likely occurred due to anti-tank fire or an IED planted in its path, according to IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari.
“Experts will examine the entire incident and everything that happened. Once the investigation is complete, we will publish all the details,” Hagari said Motzei Shabbos.
“In the early hours of the morning, after completing the attack on the northwestern part of the neighborhood, infantry, armor and engineering forces from the 401st Brigade entered the area in armored combat vehicles to establish positions. According to our current information, one of the engineering vehicles in the convoy experienced a powerful explosion, likely caused by an explosive device or an anti-tank missile. The eight soldiers who were killed were inside the armored vehicle.”
When asked if Hamas targeted the APC, Hagari replied, “It is not an APC; it is an advanced armored vehicle, a Namera (a Namer refitted for combat engineering tasks). We entered this street with several vehicles, and it was not the first vehicle in the convoy. We will study the entire operational event and what triggered or caused the explosion that led to the soldiers’ deaths.
“It is clear that we need to defeat the Rafah Brigade. Progress is being made, and there are significant achievements alongside the costs. The achievements are very substantial, and yes, we are approaching the dismantling of the Rafah Brigade.”
When asked about this being the third armored vehicle disaster in the war, Hagari said, “Overall, against the threats, the capabilities of the IDF on the ground protect the soldiers. When such a severe malfunction occurs, we investigate it thoroughly.”
According to the IDF, the Namer exploded near the Tel al-Sultan camp. The disaster occurred around 5:15 a.m. An engineering unit attached to a Givati Brigade battalion had fought together overnight, and eliminated about 50 terrorists. After the operation, the unit was on its way to a “staging point” – a secured house where the forces were stationed.
Along the journey to the staging point, a large explosion occurred, apparently without any prior shooting. The Namer vehicle, which was the fifth or sixth in the convoy, caught fire. It is not yet known whether an IED was placed on the road or attached to the Namer. The vehicle burned for a long time, and rescuers could not reach it for about two hours. It was later towed to a safe location.
Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke after the tragedy, paying tribute to the eight fallen soldiers. Bibi said there was “no alternative to victory” in the war. “Our hearts shatter at the immense loss. The entire nation of Israel embraces the bereaved families in their deep sorrow,” he said.
“When the price is so heavy, we must remember what we are fighting for: to ensure our existence and future and to bring back all our captives. This monstrous enemy has no intention of stopping here. Along with the rest of Iran’s axis of evil, it will continue its attempts to destroy us. If we don’t stop it, it will not stop. Therefore, there is no alternative to victory.”
{Matzav.com}
