SECURITY FORCES UNCOVER ISLAMIC JIHAD MARITIME UNIT
(Communicated by the Prime Minister's Media Adviser)
Thursday, 05 February, 2004

An ISA investigation has revealed that the Islamic Jihad in the Gaza Strip
has been working to establish a maritime arm that was to have perpetrated
sea-borne terrorist attacks against Israeli targets in the Strip.

Iyad Abd Issa Alouan, 24, a resident of Khan Yunis, a fisherman by
profession, was arrested by the ISA on 10.11.2003. He admitted that Islamic
Jihad had recruited him in order to assist in the perpetration of a
sea-borne attack against an Israeli target.

Alouan admitted that he had been recruited - shortly before his arrest - by
Islamic Jihad terrorist Ala Hisi (a resident of the Shati refugee camp).
Alouan was previously active in the Abu Rish organization and had been
involved in military action against Israeli targets in the Gaza Strip.

In a meeting with a senior Islamic Jihad terrorist known as "Abu Islam",
Alouan was told that the organization was interested in establishing an
Islamic Jihad maritime unit in order to perpetrate attacks against Israeli
targets and, to this end, intended to purchase as many lifeguard boats as it
could. Alouan was asked train the would-be terrorists who would man the
lifeguard boats. Abu Islam informed Alouan of his plans to perpetrate
shooting and grenade attacks against an IDF patrol or unit in the Tel Ridan
area via sea-borne terrorists. Alouan was asked to acquire a lifeguard
boat, which could be fitted with a motor to be provided by Ala Hisi. Abu
Islam remarked that the lifeguard boat should have a fishing license in
order to provide a cover for its activities and guard against premature
discovery. Alouan was asked to gather information on a suitable place to
plan an attack and assist in training the would-be terrorists on his
lifeguard boat. Abu Islam said that the attacks could be perpetrated as
soon as additional lifeguard boats could be acquired and concealed.

Abu Islam told Alouan that the organization had $500,000 at its disposal.
Alouan was also asked to purchase weapons from an arms dealer, rent
apartments in the northern Gaza Strip for use in planning attacks, and
purchase equipment for the lifeguard boat. Alouan received funds from Abu
Islam and Ala Hisi and purchased a fishing net for use in concealing the
lifeguard boats. He also purchased two life-vests for the would-be
terrorists and other equipment. Abu Islam told Alouan that he must make all
the necessary purchases since his occupation as a fisherman would provide
cover. Alouan was arrested before he could purchase the lifeguard boats.

The security forces have reason to believe that Islamic Jihad will continue
to develop new methods in which to perpetrate terrorist attacks in complete
disregard of the possible consequences for the Palestinian civilians in the
Gaza Strip, especially the fishermen.