A simulated terrorist shooting on one of Israel’s main roads was one of the scenarios played out this weekend during a counter-terrorism drill carried out by several IDF combat units.
Among those participating were the Nahal Brigade 50th battalion and the 401 Brigade 46th battalion. Both were directed to run a quick sweep of the main road, neutralizing the simulated threat, tracking down and capturing terrorists while tending to the wounded.
The exercise was later deemed a success, with forces correctly locating the “terrorists” and arresting them.
Drivers in northern Israel may find some of their travels a bit more exciting by Sunday morning, according to the IDF, with a military exercise designed to continue until Wednesday.
The new drill began late Saturday night in the Galilee, according to the IDF Spokesperson. “During the exercise drivers may become aware of additional traffic from security forces and other additional vehicles,” the IDF Spokesperson said.
However, none of this has anything to do with what’s going on north of the border, he emphasized. There was no comment on a claim by the Lebanese army on Saturday that Israel quietly removed a spying device it placed near Har Dov on the northern side of Mount Hermon. Lebanon had told international media in a statement the reconnaissance device was spotted by a patrol on Thursday – but when a second force went back to take the device it had already been removed by the IDF.
“The exercise was planned in advance as part of the 2016 Training Calendar, designed to maintain competency and readiness among the military forces,” the IDF Spokesperson explained.