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Israeli soldiers load a self-propelled 155 mm howitzer onto a transport truck as they prepare to leave their base in Northern Israel. (AP)
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| By Associated Press August 22, 2006 |
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Israeli troops shot and killed three militants from the Islamic Jihad group near the Israel-Gaza border fence on Tuesday.
Palestinian medics discovered the bodies after daybreak near the Kissufim crossing.
The army said soldiers opened fire after spotting what they considered suspicious figures walking near the fence, carrying large bags. Tanks also fired in the direction of the three men, the army said. No weapons were found near the bodies, but Palestinian security officials said the three had been sent to carry out an attack.
Also Tuesday, Israeli soldiers, backed by helicopter gunships, tanks and armored personnel carriers, moved into Palestinian-controlled areas near the main cargo crossing between Israel and Gaza, conducting house-to-house searches.
The army said soldiers surrounded a house and exchanged fire with wanted Palestinian militants, including two Hamas members, who were inside. One of the militants was wounded and all five were arrested, the army said.
Palestinian medics put the number of wounded at five.
Separately, in southern Gaza, the Israeli army moved into farmlands near the town of Khan Younis, firing machine guns into the fields after calling on farmers to evacuate the area, Palestinian security officials said. Cameramen filming the operation said they came under fire, but were not wounded.
The army said troops were searching for tunnels in the area. Palestinians fired anti-tank missiles at troops who returned fire, the army said.
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