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SLUG: 2-314103 Israel / Palestinians (L)
DATE: NOTE NUMBER: |
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DATE=3/14/2004 TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT TITLE=ISRAEL / PALESTINIANS (LONG) NUMBER=2-314103 BYLINE=ROSS DUNN DATELINE=JERUSALEM CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: Palestinian suicide bombers have killed themselves and at least nine people in two separate attacks at the southern Israeli seaport of Ashdod. Ross Dunn reports from Jerusalem. TEXT: Israeli security officials say that one of the bombers blew himself up just outside the main gate at Ashdod. The second managed to enter the heavily-guarded facility and set off his explosives a short time later in a centrally located workshop. Israeli security forces sealed off the facility and began sweeps of the site for additional explosives. Israeli police are also scouring the nearby area for suspects who might have helped carry out the attacks. At least eight teams of firefighters worked at the scene to prevent a blaze from spreading through the site, as rescue and ambulance workers rushed wounded to nearby hospitals. The attack marked the first time that suicide bombers had successfully penetrated a key Israeli facility since the start of the Palestinian uprising more than three years ago. Israeli officials said that Palestinian terrorists had found what they called a "weak point" in the country's security and exploited it. The officials said that the seaport is usually bustling with activity and almost impossible to seal off against terrorist attacks. Hamas and the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, the armed wing of Palestinian President Yasser Arafat's Fatah faction claimed joint responsibility for the bombings. Both organizations have carried out frequent attacks that killed hundreds of Israelis and are listed by the U-S State Department as terrorist organizations. The attacks at Ashdod came on the same day that Israeli and Palestinian officials made preparations for the first summit between their prime ministers. However, because of the Ashdod bombings, Israeli officials said the summit, tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, had been canceled. (Signed) NEB/RD/DW/RH |
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