By Zain Khalil
JERUSALEM (AA) – Three Israeli soldiers were killed in a shooting near the border with Egypt, according to the military on Saturday.
A military spokesman said two soldiers were found dead at an army post on the border after losing contact with them.
Shortly after the incident, an exchange of fire was reported with a gunman, believed to be the suspect, as Israeli forces were searching the area, leaving a soldier and the suspect dead.
"During an encounter with a terrorist in Israeli territory, a short while ago, an exchange of fire developed. Troops and commanders engaged and shot and killed him [the suspect]," the army said in a statement.
The Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper said the incident took place after the Israeli army had thwarted an attempt to smuggle a big quantity of drugs, just three kilometers north of the Israeli army post.
The Israeli army has launched an investigation into the circumstances of the incident.
*Writing by Ahmed Asmar