Tel Aviv [Israel], February 22: Israeli police said three buses exploded in a southern suburb of Tel Aviv. Authorities have referred to the incident as a "suspected terrorist attack."
Officials said no one was injured, as the buses were parked and empty at the time of the explosions.
"Preliminary report - Suspected terror attack. Multiple reports have been received of explosions involving several buses at different locations in Bat Yam," the police said in a statement.
According to the statement, police forces had been deployed to search for suspects.
"Police bomb disposal units are scanning for additional suspicious objects. We urge the public to avoid the areas and remain alert for any suspicious items," the statement added.
Israeli media reported two other explosive devices had been disabled.
Israel to 'intensify operations' in West Bank after bus blasts
The Israeli government said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had been being briefed about the bus explosions in the Tel Aviv area.
Defense Minister Israel Katz said he had ordered the military to step up its offensives across the occupied West Bank in response to the attacks.
"In light of the serious attempted attacks in the Gush Dan (central) area by Palestinian terrorist organisations against the civilian population in Israel, I have instructed the IDF (military) to intensify operations to thwart terrorism in the Tulkarem refugee camp and in all the refugee camps in Judea and Samaria," Katz said in a statement, using the biblical term for the West Bank.
Israel's transport minister ordered the Public Transit Authority to stop and inspect all buses, trains and light-rail trains, Israeli media reported.
Source: Times of Oman
