Late Thursday night, attackers targeted three buses in Bat Yam, Israel, in a suspected terrorist attack that caused extensive damage but thankfully no casualties.
According to the US Sun, A series of bus explosions and the discovery of additional unexploded devices in Bat Yam spotlight suspected terror tactics near Tel Aviv.
In Bat Yam, a suburb of Tel Aviv, simultaneous explosions engulfed three buses in flames. According to local authorities, these blasts emitted thick black smoke that marked the skyline late in the evening. The impact was severe, yet there were no injuries or deaths reported.
All buses involved were parked at a local depot during the incident, and they were unoccupied, which prevented any casualties. Following the blasts, police and emergency services rushed to the scene, focusing on ensuring no further threats remained in the vicinity.
Besides the three buses that exploded, security personnel found two more devices on nearby buses. These explosive devices, equipped with timers, were successfully defused by bomb disposal units before they could cause additional harm.
The discovery of these devices prompted a swift response from local law enforcement and the Israeli Defence Ministry. Police Commander Haim Sargarof remarked on the sophistication of the explosives, noting their similarity to devices previously found in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
The Israeli Defence Minister made a stern announcement, accusing Palestinian terrorist groups of orchestrating the attacks. He vowed an intense military response and asserted, "We will hunt down the terrorists to the bitter end and destroy the terror infrastructure in the camps used as frontline posts of the Iranian evil axis."
The Bat Yam explosions happened almost concurrently, intensifying the terror among residents. Ayala, a resident of the area, recounted the moment she heard the blasts, describing the scene as terrifying and expressing her shock and fear about commuting to work the next day.
Another local, Yossi, also reported feeling the tremors of the explosions from his home. "I felt a slight tremor, and then we heard a massive explosion," he said, outlining the chaos and uncertainty that gripped the neighborhood during the incident.
In response to this incident and the ongoing threat, police have intensified their searches across the Tel Aviv area. Aryeh Doron, a police spokesperson, emphasized the importance of public vigilance. "The event is ongoing," he stated, urging residents to report any suspicious items.
Following the explosions, Israeli security services significantly increased their presence and intensified monitoring activities, focusing especially on public transportation nodes and crowded public areas where attackers might plant additional devices.
The bombs, according to a security service source, weighed between four and five kilograms each and had a potentially disastrous intent. These devices were purportedly capable of causing significant casualties, particularly at peak times.
The community at large has been on high alert, with public announcements urging everyone to remain vigilant about their surroundings. Authorities continue to request that any unusual or suspicious items be reported promptly to ensure public safety.
As the situation unfolds, the government's increased military operations in response to the attack also highlight the ongoing tension between Israel and Palestinian groups. This incident adds to the complex security challenges facing the region, fostering a climate of increased vigilance and precaution.
