"I Had to Engage": The IDF Soldier Who Neutralized Terrorists in Jerusalem Speaks Out | WATCH
New details from a recent terror attack reveals the quick thinking of an IDF soldier and a civilian, whose brave and immediate response neutralized two terrorists, preventing a greater loss of life.
An IDF soldier and a civilian are being hailed as heroes for their swift and courageous actions that brought a deadly terror attack in Jerusalem to a halt. The soldier, identified as Staff Sergeant S., a member of the Hahashmonaim Brigade, was at the Ramot Junction when he heard gunfire.
"I heard gunshots and saw people fleeing," Staff Sergeant S. recounted. "I understood I had to engage. I saw the terrorists and opened fire until they were neutralized." He then immediately moved to help the wounded. His commander, Colonel Avinoam Emunah, praised his actions, stating that they are "further proof of the great significance of training Haredi soldiers to carry a weapon and be prepared to neutralize any threat wherever they are."
The soldier's actions were complemented by a civilian, a yeshiva student who also carried a licensed weapon. He used a pistol he inherited from his grandfather, a long-time police volunteer. The yeshiva student, whose brother is an EMT, explained to reporters that he was on his way to his studies when he heard the gunfire. "I was running with everyone at first to escape the attack," he said. "After a few meters, I stopped and joined the soldier who was running towards the terrorists. I was dressed in a hat and coat; I was basically on my way to my studies." The yeshiva student then used his grandfather's pistol, which he recently received from his brother, to fire at the terrorists, emptying the magazine.
The two terrorists, identified as Mutna Omar, 20, and Muhammad Taha, 21, were neutralized about 50 meters from the bus stop. Six people were killed and 22 others were injured in the attack, including an eighth-month pregnant woman. The incident began when the terrorists tried to board a bus, but the driver, sensing something was wrong, quickly closed the doors, preventing them from entering and saving countless lives.
Following the attack, the IDF and police launched a full investigation. The villages from which the terrorists came were sealed off, and an East Jerusalem resident was arrested on suspicion of having transported them to the site of the attack.