IDF forces clashed with smugglers on the Israel- Egypt border Thursday night.

The incident took place around 8:30 pm, when an elite IDF force deployed in the area known as the Israel-Egypt-Gaza border triangle spotted several suspect individual approaching the border fence.

The troops hailed the men to stop, but were ignored. They then initiated suspect arrest protocol, followed by several warning shots, which were met with heavy gunfire, by what is believed to be a cover cell stationed on the Egyptian side of the border.

The soldiers returned fire. Pursuant canvassing of the area revealed the body of one of the smugglers and three others, wounded. No firearms were found in their possession.

A military medevac evacuated the injured to the Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba. No injuries were noted among the Israeli soldiers.

The border fence in the area where the incident took place has yet to be completed. IDF sources say it is frequently used by smugglers, and according to defense establishment intelligence as a smuggling path by terrorists.

In two other recent incidents in the area, bagfuls of explosives were found left on and near the border fence. Both were defused safety.

Recent military intelligence indicated that there was an imminent threat of terror from the sector, prompting the IDF to close off Highway 12. (Copyright 2012 © Yedioth Internet 03/15/12)