Israel's military spokesman Daniel Hagari confirmed on Saturday that a "security incident" took place near Israel's southern border with Egypt, resulting in four casualties. The incident occurred in the Paran regional division area, with Israeli and Egyptian forces investigating the event.
According to Israel's Army Radio, the incident unfolded as security forces were engaged in operations to combat smuggling activity at Mount Sagi in the Negev desert. Shortly after the security incident, the Israeli military reported an exchange of gunfire near the border with Egypt. Three Israeli soldiers and an Egyptian security officer were killed, the two countries later confirmed.
Although the Israel-Egypt border is generally peaceful, attempts to smuggle drugs across the tall fence occur frequently. Gunfire incidents have occurred between smugglers and Israeli soldiers, as well as during the Egyptian army's engagement with drug smugglers and jihadist groups in the northern Sinai desert.
