IDF soldiers on Saturday night arrested a terrorist who opened fire, using an improvised weapon, at the religious Kibbutz Migdal Oz in Gush Etzion. There were no casualties. The terrorist was interrogated by security forces.

Lieutenant Colonel Ayas Fares, deputy commander of the IDF’s Etzion Brigade, told Arutz Sheva that, thanks to the quick work of the soldiers, the terrorist was apprehended 20 seconds after he opened fire at the kibbutz.

“IDF look-outs saw a suspect near the kibbutz and immediately alerted troops who were deployed nearby. The terrorist managed to fire two shots but the forces arrived shortly afterwards and captured him.”

“The soldiers’ quick work led to the terrorist’s capture,” added Fares. “He was startled by the their quickness and surrendered.”

Saturday night’s incident came just two weeks after IDF soldiers arrested four terrorists who approached the fence surrounding Migdal Oz.

The four were caught with makeshift weapons and three knives after IDF look-outs identified them and called the troops.

Arab terrorists have carried out numerous attacks against Israelis in recent weeks. Statistics released by the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) last month showed that terror attacks are on the rise.

Referring to the security situation in the region, Fares told Arutz Sheva, “Lately there have been a number of incidents in which terrorist organizations tried to carry out attacks against Jews. Our division operates to eradicate terrorism and we have had some great successes, such as arresting the terror squad who carried out the bus bombing attack in Bat Yam.”

“The troops can provide a response to any threat. The fighters are trained to deal with a variety of scenarios,” he added.