IDF Forces Uncover Explosives Laboratory Used to Manufacture Material for
Suicide Bombings
IDF Spokesperson 21 May 2003

IDF Forces Uncover Explosives Laboratory Used to Manufacture Material for
Suicide Bombings
During IDF operations in the Nablus Casbah overnight (May 20, 2003), IDF
forces uncovered an explosives laboratory that manufactured material for use
in suicide bombings against Israeli civilians and security forces.

The laboratory contained 6 explosive belts, (3 of which were ready for use),
25kg of T.A.T.P explosives material, and additional chemicals intended for
use in explosive devices. IDF forces also found a suitcase filled with
explosives and ball bearings.

The explosives laboratory was detonated in a controlled explosion.

IDF forces carry out arrests in the West Bank

IDF forces arrested 7 wanted Palestinians overnight in Hebron, including
Hamas terrorists. In addition, IDF forces arrested a wanted Palestinian in
Kefar Salam, in the Nablus area.

IDF forces demolish the houses of two terrorists

IDF forces demolished overnight the house of Farak Halifah in Nablus.
Halifah, an operative of Fatah's Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, carried out the
double terrorist attack on the Nevei Shanan road on January 5, 2003, which
killed 22 people and wounded dozens of others.

In addition, IDF forces demolished the house of the terrorist Sa'ad Nurah, a
senior Tanzim operative responsible for planning an attempted car bombing in
Israel during November of 2002. Nurah was also responsible for planning an
attempted attack involving the use of an explosive device against IDF forces
in the Bethlehem sector during March of 2002, and for an attempted shooting
attack against IDF forces in October of 2002.

IDF forces along the Israel-Egypt come under fire

IDF forces along the Israel-Egypt border, near Rafah, were fired at last
night.

Anti-aircraft shells fired at northern border

Anti-aircraft shells were fired at the western sector of the Israel-Lebanon
border overnight.