IDF captain killed, 16 soldiers injured in IED attacks in Jenin

Latest developments

In the early hours of June 27, an Israeli soldier was killed and 16 wounded in a roadside bomb attack in the West Bank city of Jenin. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) named the fallen soldier as Captain Alon Sagciu, 22, commander of a sniper team in the Haruv reconnaissance unit of the Kfir Brigade. A spokesman for the terrorist organization Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) later claimed responsibility for the attack.

The attack occurred during an Israeli military night raid in Jenin aimed at driving out or killing Hamas terrorists from the city. According to the Israeli military’s initial assessment, a Panther armored personnel carrier was hit by an explosive device placed on the road, causing minor injuries to the soldiers inside. Sagciu and the other soldiers who came to help were standing outside the armored personnel carrier when a second explosive device exploded.

A previous search of the street did not reveal the explosive devices. They were buried about one and a half meters underground – much deeper than normal. According to The Times of IsraelThe Israeli military is currently investigating how the bombs were detonated, whether by cable or wirelessly. Findings at the scene suggest that both methods may have been used.

Expert analysis

“As they fight to destroy Hamas in Gaza, the Israelis are also working to prevent parts of the West Bank from becoming terror zones. The sophistication of this attack suggests not only the audacity of local Palestinian terrorists, but also the possibility that they received instructions and materials from outside.” — Mark DubowitzCEO of FDD

“There are over two dozen active branches of terrorist groups in the West Bank, all of which act with impunity against Israeli forces. At the head of this complex network is the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, acting on behalf of Iran, with its branch in Jenin playing a central role. Moreover, the current Israeli military strategy appears to be insufficient to stem the tide of terrorism. The Israeli military must adapt and intensify its efforts to counter the threat that has taken root in the West Bank.” — Joe TruzmanSenior Research Analyst at FDD’s Long War Journal

IDF intensifies anti-terror operations in Jenin

The rare attack came as Israeli forces launched another of their now regular raids in Jenin, which has become a breeding ground for terrorism after years of irresponsibility and neglect by the Palestinian Authority. According to Palestinian officials, Israeli forces arrested 28 terror suspects during the Jenin operation. Since Hamas terrorists carried out the Oct. 7 atrocities in southern Israel, Israeli forces have arrested some 4,150 wanted Palestinians across the West Bank, including more than 1,750 Hamas supporters.

“Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorists planning attack in West Bank eliminated by Israeli army,” FDD Flash Brief

“The West Bank: A three-year crisis led by Palestinian terror groups,” by Joe Truzman

“Meanwhile in the West Bank…” FDD’s Long War Journal “Generation Jihad” Podcast