Sderot: Rockets fall despite operation

IDF carries out operation 'Autumn Clouds' to prevent rocket launchings, but fails to block 7 Qassam attacks on western Negev and Sderot. One lands in backyard of home, others land near strategic installation south of Ashkelon

Shmulik Hadad
Published: 11.01.06, 19:11

Despite the wide-scale IDF operation in northern Gaza, which was supposed to eradicate the Qassam attacks on Sderot and the western Negev, the atmosphere in the area was dreary Wednesday as seven rockets landed in and around the city – an unusually high amount compared to the previous months.

One of the rockets landed in the backyard of a Sderot home. Only victims of shock were reported in the attack, and nearby cars were damaged. Two rockets fell in a factory in Sderot's industrial zone. One caused a fire and the other resulted in a minor leak of hazardous materials. Three people were lightly injured. Another rocket landed south of Ashkelon near a strategic facility and did not cause any damage or injuries.

Due of the attacks, the streets of Sderot were completely empty. Chairwoman of the Sderot Parents' Association Batia Keter said that as a result of the attacks, the schools which were not protected will remain closed on Thursday, including the city's high school.