(JNS) Security guards at a crossing into the Gaza Strip thwarted an attempt to smuggle reconnaissance drones into the Hamas-controlled territory, Israel’s Defense Ministry said on Wednesday. August 9.

The 10 drones were in a black bag hidden in a minibus, which was stopped by guards at the Erez Crossing. The bag was flagged by a specially trained canine, according to the ministry.

It is suspected that the drones were intended for terrorist elements in Gaza, according to the ministry statement.

Gaza has been ruled by the Hamas terror group since 2007, but several other terror groups are active there.

The incident has been transferred to security forces for further investigation.