Weapons caches exposed in the south, 19 suspects arrested
A series of police raids in southern Israel led to the seizure of two M-16 rifles, pistols, dozens of magazines, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. 19 suspects were arrested on suspicion of shooting offenses, violence, stone-throwing, and illegal possession of weapons. One weapon was found hidden in a residential compound in Ar'ara.
The Israel Police conducted a series of raids at several locations in southern Israel, leading to the seizure of two M-16 assault rifles, pistols, dozens of magazines, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. 19 suspects were arrested on suspicion of shooting offenses, violence, stone-throwing, and illegal possession of weapons. In a raid in the Bedouin diaspora near Highway 80, following a report of gunfire, officers from the Arad police station located an M-16 rifle. In the Ar'ara sector, police operated alongside additional forces against hotspots of blood feuds and gunfire, arresting 16 suspects. In a further search based on intelligence information, an M-16 rifle was found hidden in a residential compound in the locality. In additional operations, Glock and FN pistols, 14 boxes of 5.56mm ammunition, 12 M-16 magazines, and a belt for a 7.62mm MAG machine gun were seized, and three more suspects were arrested. Commander of the Rotem District, Deputy Commissioner Shashi Shlomo, stated that the forces will continue to operate against crime generators and holders of illegal weapons.