Two women were killed and 18 wounded in today's attack at a junction near the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Southern Command base in the center of Beer Sheva.
An initial investigation indicates that the two terrorists arrived on the scene at 1:30 PM in a Mazda Lantis. They parked the car at an intersection adjacent to the base. At the time, the intersection was filled with soldiers on their noon break. The terrorist began shooting indiscriminately in all directions.
One of the terrorists sprayed a nearby bakery with bullets. The other, who wore a belt with explosives, began to run towards the Geulim elementary school. It is believed he planned to commit mass murder in the school.
Fortunately, a police officer and pilots in a nearby restaurant drew their pistols and fired at the terrorists. One of the terrorists was killed on the spot and the other was wounded in his leg. The officer continued firing at the terrorist until he killed him.
Soroka Hospital reported that five of the wounded arrived in serious condition, while 13 others were victims of shock and anxiety.
The police noted that this was the first terrorist attack in Beer Sheva in four years.
Published by Israel's Business Arena on February 10, 2002