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Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Abbas facing increasing security threats, reduces West Bank travel

RAMALLAH Ñ The Palestinian Authority has concluded that Islamic insurgents pose a growing threat to its leadership.   

PA security sources said PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas has significantly reduced travel outside of Ramallah. The sources said Abbas has come under threats during appearances in towns such as Bethlehem, Hebron and the suburbs of Ramallah.

"People have thrown objects at Abbas's convoy and we see this escalating," a security source said.


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On June 9, Abbas's convoy was again threatened by a suspected Palestinian attacker. Officials said a Palestinian motorist tried to ram into a vehicle that contained Abbas's top aide, Tayeb Abdul Rahim.

"A motorist tried to overtake the convoy of Mr. Tayyeb Abdul Rahim, raising the suspicions of his bodyguards who shot at him," PA police spokesman Brig. Gen. Adnan Damiri said.

Abdul Rahim has been PA secretary-general and a leading aide to Abbas. Damiri said the suspected attacker was shot and seriously injured in Ramallah.

"It is still under investigation," Damiri said.

Security sources said the Palestinian attacker was believed to have mistaken Abdul Rahim's vehicle for Abbas. They said both men travel in a black Mercedes Benz with official plates.

Abbas has not left Ramallah amid the PA crackdown on Hamas's military wing, which began on May 30. At least four Hamas operatives have been killed in two shootouts with PA security forces in the West Bank city of Kalkilya. Hamas has called for revenge.



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