Israeli troops surround Arafat’s headquarters

Israeli tanks and armoured personnel carriers have surrounded Yasser Arafat’s shell-shattered headquarters today for the third time this month while the Palestinian leader was inside, expanding Israeli control over the West Bank.

Seventeen tanks were taking up positions all around the compound and just inside at a helicopter pad, soldiers flashed V-for-victory signs while standing atop their moving vehicles.

Palestinian intelligence officials said 130 tanks were seen moving into the city.

Two Israeli helicopters covered the incursion from above, but there was no resistance.

‘‘A large number of tanks and Israeli jeeps are surrounding the president’s office from all sides. The (helicopter) landing pad became a parking lot for the Israeli tanks,’’ Arafat aide Nabil Abu Rdeneh told The Associated Press from inside the compound.

The Israeli army spokesman’s office confirmed its forces had taken up positions in ‘‘strategic points in the city’’ of Ramallah and placed it under curfew.

Some explosives were set off targeting the forces, the army said, slightly injuring one soldier.

The army gave no further details, but three explosions were heard in al-Amari refugee camp.