IAF strikes targets in Gaza in response to rocket fire

Follows 11 rockets fired at western Negev, Ashkelon area in less than 24 hours; 4 mortar shells fired contained white phosphorous; Salah-al-Din Brigades claim mortar fire response to IDF assassination of terrorists.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Gaza strike smoke 311 (photo credit: Associated Press)
Gaza strike smoke 311
(photo credit: Associated Press)
Following multiple rockets and mortar shells being fired into southern Israel from the Gaza Strip on Friday, the IDF confirmed that IAF jets successfully struck three terror-related targets in Gaza in response.
Palestinian sources reported that an Islamic Jihad training base was among the targets attacked by the IAF. Eight total injuries were reported in the airstrikes.
RELATED:Cabinet discusses readiness as Kassams hit South10th rocket hits South since High Holidays beganThe IDF also reported that the four mortar shells that landed in the Ashkelon Regional Council area earlier on Friday contained white phosphorous.
The Salah al-Din Brigade claimed responsibility for the four mortar shells, which they said came in response to the IDF assassination of two members of the Army of Islam, an al-Qaida affiliated group, earlier this week.
In addition to the four mortar shells containing white phosphorous fired into Israel on Friday, three additional mortar shells were fired towards the western Negev.
All the the shells exploded in open land.
No injuries were reported and no damage was caused.
Earlier on Friday a Grad rocket was shot from Gaza towards Israel.
The Grad rocket was the first since July, and the first to land near Ofakim since Operation Cast Lead. The rocket exploded in an open area, injuring three cows and damaging a building.
In addition, two Kassam rockets landed in the Merhavim Regional Council of the western Negev. No injuries and damage were reported.
Another rocket was shot on Friday morning. It landed in Palestinian territory.
Kassam rockets have been shot from Gaza towards the western Negev almost daily since 2001. The IDF Spokesperson's unit reported that over 180 rockets have landed in Israel since the beginning of the year.