17 November 2002

In the name of Allah the most Gracious the most Merciful

Qassam Brigades military communiqué

Explaining details of the heroic Khalil operation

We say the whole truth clearly … and we bless all Mujahideen

Our stationed people … our Arab and Muslim Ummah:

Since the Qassam Brigades have always been highly credible, we table before you details of the heroic and daring operation launched by the Mujahideen in the city of Khalil on Friday 10^th Ramadan 1423H – 14^th November 2002AD, which our brothers in Islamic Jihad Movement were quick to adopt.

A combat group from the Qassam Brigades, grouping two Mujahideen carrying M-16 rifles and a number of hand grenades of which they used four during the operation, arrived to the alley under intensive security cover-up. They first clashed with a white army jeep that was directly hit at close range. The Mujahideen then fired at the armed settlers who arrived to back up the Israeli force that was ambushed. The clash between the Mujahideen and the settlers and the army force took about two hours from seven to nine pm. Quarter of an hour after the clash the two Qassam Mujahideen sensed the presence of other Mujahideen in the area, who later on turned out to be brothers from the Quds Brigades. After 9.30 Allah ordained the safe withdrawal of the two Mujahideen from the area.

We affirm that we have started this battle, which the enemy described as a dual ambush, and we would like to affirm the following:

1- We affirm that the Qassam Brigades had carried out the first ambush in the operation that targeted leaders and soldiers of the enemy, which does not cancel participation of our brothers in the Quds Brigades in the second ambush of the operation.

2- We pray that Allah would accept martyrs of the Khalil operation and to group us all together as martyrs in paradise.

3- We affirm that we have made contacts with our brothers in leadership of Islamic Jihad within and outside Palestine and briefed them on details of the operation.

4- We affirm that the delay in declaring responsibility for the operation was due to security reasons and due to ethical reasons so that we could explain the matter to our brothers in the Jihad Movement them.

5- We bless all fighting combatants and we praise Allah for exasperating the enemy in all areas of our country.

And it is a Jihad until either victory or martyrdom

Qassam Brigades
Sunday 12^th Ramadan 1423H
17/11/2002AD