IDF shoots and kills one of the terrorists who penetrated the border and set off an explosive device near construction team working on border fence; IDF still searching for other two terrorists.

An Israeli citizen and one terrorist were killed Monday morning during clashes between Israel Defense Forces soldiers and terrorists who infiltrated the southern border with Egypt.

Initial information reveals that a terrorist cell penetrated the fence along the Gaza-Sinai border on Monday morning, set off an explosive device on Philadelphi strip, and fired an RPG rocket at a team of Defense Ministry employees who were working on the construction of the border fence.

After penetrating the border, the terrorists also started to open fire and as a result, two construction workers were wounded, and one later died of his wounds.

The IDF´s Golani Brigade was called to the scene and began exchanging fire with the armed men. According to the IDF, several terrorists were shot, and one was killed. IDF forces are searching for the other two terrorists who are still roaming freely.

Israeli communities near the border have been put on high alert, and Route 10 and 12 have been blocked to incoming traffic.

The attack follows a few days of intelligence warnings.

"At this stage, the IDF forces are scanning the area with the intention of preventing additional terrorists from being found in Israel," IDF spokesman, Brigadier General Yoav Mordechai, told Army Radio. "The entire region is closed, and we will probably also close Route 12 to traffic, until we contain the entire event. At this stage communities are closed, no one is being allowed in or out, and there is no large number of casualties. But the incident is not over yet."

On Sunday night, a Qassam rocket was fired toward the Eshkol Regional Council. No one was wounded in the overnight attack.

Overnight Friday, rockets were fired toward Ovda and Mitzpeh Ramon, which Israeli security officials say were launched after a request by senior leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt. Remains of a rocket, 12 millimeters in diameter, were found Saturday morning near Ovda, which is north of Eilat. (© Copyright 2012 Ha´aretz 06/18/12)