Palestinian security launch campaign to bring stability to Nablus

Following controversy between Palestinian officials over the need for a wide-scale security campaign to restore order in Nablus in the northern West Bank, 500 officers of the Palestinian national security service arrived in the area Monday.

The officers are affiliated to Brigade 9 and an elite squad of the Palestinian national security servics. 

Commander of Nablus security Brigadier Muhammad Hammuda told Ma’an that “the main goal is to make sure that all residents of Nablus and the surrounding villages and refugee camps enjoy security and safety.” 

He highlighted that no time limit was set for the campaign, but it will come to an end only when it achieves its goal of deterring outlaws and those who “mess up with property of the Palestinian people.”

The campaign, added Hammuda, will target all who committed criminal and security offenses. Furthermore, illegal weapons will be collected. “As an authority, we should have only one weapon which is the weapon of Palestinian security services.” 

The commander denied claims that the campaign was meant to target Balata refugee camp in particular as a result of clashes Sunday between Palestinians security officers and local young men. 

Eight security officers were lightly injured by stones hurled by demonstrators.