S'13
06-04-2004, 05:39 AM
IDF gets new tunnel-busting unit
By ARIEH O'SULLIVAN
The IDF has decided to set up tunnel-busting unit that will operate not only in the Gaza Strip but also in the West Bank.
The company-size force will seek recruits from the Engineering Corps' elite "Yahalom" unit, which deals mainly with bomb disposal and demolitions.
According to the IDF weekly Bamahane, the unit will operate in the West Bank to locate secret underground storerooms where terrorists hide weapons. The unit would likely be used to locate any potential tunnels dug under the security fence being erected around the West Bank.
Southern Command had a small tunnel-busting unit, but this was decimated last month when their APC, laden with explosives to blow up tunnels, blew apart killing five servicemen. The head of the unit, Lt. Aviv Hakani, was killed in that blast.
His unit was small, informally assembled force, but registered relative success, uncovering at least 15 tunnels this year. Before he was killed, he had convinced the IDF to improve the unit and give it special training.
The new company will undergo antiterror warfare training, pistol training, rappelling, and more. The army is also promising to supply it with top-of the line equipment, the weekly said.
The unit will also be sent to various places in the West Bank to locate underground chambers or tunnels.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1086230749982&p=1078397702269
http://www.israelnewsagency.com/gazaterrorismtunnelsgraph.jpg
http://www.israelnewsagency.com/gazatunnels.jpg
Shortly after the IDF discovered this weapons smuggling tunnel, they demolished the house above it.
By ARIEH O'SULLIVAN
The IDF has decided to set up tunnel-busting unit that will operate not only in the Gaza Strip but also in the West Bank.
The company-size force will seek recruits from the Engineering Corps' elite "Yahalom" unit, which deals mainly with bomb disposal and demolitions.
According to the IDF weekly Bamahane, the unit will operate in the West Bank to locate secret underground storerooms where terrorists hide weapons. The unit would likely be used to locate any potential tunnels dug under the security fence being erected around the West Bank.
Southern Command had a small tunnel-busting unit, but this was decimated last month when their APC, laden with explosives to blow up tunnels, blew apart killing five servicemen. The head of the unit, Lt. Aviv Hakani, was killed in that blast.
His unit was small, informally assembled force, but registered relative success, uncovering at least 15 tunnels this year. Before he was killed, he had convinced the IDF to improve the unit and give it special training.
The new company will undergo antiterror warfare training, pistol training, rappelling, and more. The army is also promising to supply it with top-of the line equipment, the weekly said.
The unit will also be sent to various places in the West Bank to locate underground chambers or tunnels.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1086230749982&p=1078397702269
http://www.israelnewsagency.com/gazaterrorismtunnelsgraph.jpg
http://www.israelnewsagency.com/gazatunnels.jpg
Shortly after the IDF discovered this weapons smuggling tunnel, they demolished the house above it.