An Israeli civilian on a scooter was ambushed by terrorists at the West Bank's Shufa junction on Thursday morning, but managed to escape and notify security forces, who shot the two attackers.
The terrorist squad had waited at the intersection and shot at the rider.
They were even planning to soon carry out another attack, according to IDF estimates.
But the civilian reported the attack, including a detailed description of the terrorists’ vehicle, and seven Israeli soldiers went after the terrorists in addition to larger forces which blocked off roads in the area.
When the seven soldiers from the Golani Reconnaissance Battalion found and approached the terrorists’ vehicle, they came under fire which hit their vehicle, but did not injure them.
Terrorists identified, IDF says weapons found in vehicle
One soldier took the initiative and rammed the terrorists’ vehicle to disable it and prevent them from being able to maneuver or escape. This led the two terrorists to flee from the vehicle.
The soldiers then exchanged fire with the terrorists, and neutralized both of them. An M4 carbine and magazines were found in the vehicle, said the IDF.
Hamas identified the two dead terrorists as Abdul Rahman Fares Muhammad Atta, 23, and Hudhayfah Adnan Muhammad Fares, 27.
The scooter rider's report led to the quick capture of the terrorists before they could "harm other Israelis," said Samaria Regional Council Yossi Dagan.
"I call on the government, much more action is needed to stop the shootings on the roads and to stop the next attack," said Dagan. "We had a miracle this morning that we are not accompanying another bereaved family this morning -- we will not rely only on miracles. We expect the government to stop terrorism."