Those Darn "Militants" Again

How to start from the end, courtesy of Worldcue® Alert

Severity: Critical Alert

Security: Israel launches airstrikes against militant targets in Gaza, Palestinian Authority, after attacks near Eilat. Shelter in a secure location.

The locations affected by this alert are:

• Israel

• Palestinian Authority

This alert began 18 Aug 2011 16:25 GMT and is scheduled to expire 25 Aug 2011 23:59 GMT.

• Incident: Airstrikes

• Date: Aug. 18

• Location: Gaza, Palestinian Authority

• Impact: Cross-border attacks possible; high risk of collateral damage and injury

Summary

Israeli forces have launched a massive barrage of airstrikes against targets in Gaza, Palestinian Authority, midday Aug. 18. The airstrikes are concentrated around the Rafah border area. At least six people have been killed.

More airstrikes are likely as Israel contemplates a more forceful retaliation for militant attacks conducted earlier Aug. 18 near Eilat; a large-scale Israeli ground offensive into Gaza is possible. Likely targets include militant training camps, arms warehouses, smuggling tunnels along the Egypt-Israel border, and militant safehouses. Militants may attempt to escalate rocket and mortar attacks into southern Israel, potentially targeting the cities of Ashkelon, Beer Sheva, and other areas in the Negev region.

Officials have closed the Rafah and Kerem Shalom border crossings with Gaza until further notice.

Background

Earlier Aug. 18, militants conducted a series of attacks against Israeli targets, including an assault on a bus with small arms and rocket-propelled grenades and an attack on an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) patrol near the resort town of Eilat. At least seven people were killed and another 25 were wounded in the attacks. Israeli authorities blamed militants operating in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula and in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip for the attack; Egyptian and Hamas officials have denied that the attacks came from their respective territories...

Advice

If in Gaza, shelter in a secure location until the situation stabilizes. Consider stocking up on essential supplies, including food, water, and batteries for portable devices. If forced to move, limit exposure to government buildings, police stations, religious sites, and other areas which may be used as rallying points for militants. If in Israel, heed the instructions of authorities.

Related Advice: Avoid rallying points during times of civil unrest.

It could have been written "after terror attack, Israel responds.


(k/t=RA)

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