IDF soldiers training in a mock Lebanese village. Photo: Paul Alster.

Israeli Border Police and  intelligence forces halted on Tuesday what might have been serious terror attacks against Israeli and Palestinian Authority targets, the IDF said in a statement.

In operations that took place in Hebron and Yatta the IDF attempted to arrest suspects belonging to a Salafist-Jihadi terror group. Two suspects who were carrying explosives and handguns were killed in the raid. The IDF said that the operatives were planning to “execute a terror attack in the upcoming days.”

“Over the past few months the members of the terrorist network acted to organize an expanded terror infrastructure which included preparing and manufacturing explosives, purchasing weapons and arranging an apartment for hiding,” the IDF said.

IDF Spokesman, Lt. Col. Peter Lerner credited the work of Israel’s intelligence agencies for the mission.

“This terrorist network is just a sample of those who try to harm Israeli civilians and undermine the existing security stability. Operational access combined with quality intelligence gives us the upper hand on these evildoers and their beastly intentions. It is our obligation to prevent them from fulfilling their detestable fantasies,” he said.