PA SECURITY OFFICERS INJURED IN CLASHES WITH GUNMEN IN BALATA CAMP

Nablus clashes with gunmen. (Photo: www.flotillahyves.com)" width="366" height="243" /> Palestinian security officers injured in Nablus clashes with gunmen. (Photo: www.flotillahyves.com)

Nablus, 16 Rabi’ul Akhir 1436/6 February 2015 (MINA) – Three Palestinian security officers were injured in armed clashes on Thursday (5/2) morning between Palestinian security officers and gunmen in Balata refugee camp east of Nablus in the northern West Bank, security sources said.

The sources said security officers came under fire as they entered the camp, which is the biggest in the West Bank, in an attempt to arrest a number of fugitives, Ma’an News Agency quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

The Palestinian security described the gunmen who fired at the security officers as outlaws.

Locals in the camp said several vehicles were damaged as a result of crossfire. They said that gunmen from Balata completely closed the main street near the camp to traffic. Schools were also closed in the camp.

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The governor of Nablus, Akram Rajoub, held a meeting in his office with Nablus district representatives of Palestinian factions, trade unions, sports clubs and dignitaries to discuss the situation. He pointed out that the security crackdown in the district targeted outlaws, drug dealers and gunmen who attack Palestinian organizations and individuals.

The decision to carry out an intensive security campaign came only after all quiet and smooth means have failed to bring the fugitives and outlaws to justice.

“We won’t allow whoever to encroach upon people through thuggery, as it can’t be accepted anymore to undermine the dignity of our people,” he said.

Rajoub denied claims that the security crackdown was singling out a certain area.

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Activities, he said, are going on everywhere across the governorate. He confirmed that intensive security activities would continue quietly without negatively affecting people’s lives or annoying anyone.

Speaking on behalf of the participants in the meeting, deputy chairman of Nablus chamber of commerce Omar Hashim said that keeping peace and order is a collective responsibility which all social groups and organizations should cooperate to achieve. (T/P006/P3)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)

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