Israeli army leave Jenin after killing militant

THE Israeli army withdrew its tanks and troops to the outskirts of Jenin yesterday, a day after tracking down and killing a senior Islamic Jihad militant in a lengthy gun battle at his hideout, officials said.

Jenin governor Haider Irshaid said troops left some 35 homes they had taken over as lookout posts and pulled armoured vehicles, tanks and jeeps out of the town, ending an incursion that lasted two weeks.

With forces sitting on the outskirts of the town, troops can quickly return to the city centre as they have done in the past.