Gaza - January 14, 2026 Israeli forces operating in western Rafah killed six militants who were detected moving toward a military post in southern Gaza, according to the Israel Defense Forces. The incident occurred after troops received a report that a six-member cell was advancing toward the position while attempting to conceal itself using blankets. Engineering armored vehicles from Task Force 7 were dispatched to the area. Forces from the Nahal Brigade Reconnaissance Unit, alongside armored units, conducted searches and deployed drones to locate the suspects. Three militants were initially identified, and Israeli forces opened fire, killing two. The third militant returned fire, leading to an exchange of fire before he was also neutralized. Search operations continued in the area, and Israeli forces later located and killed the remaining members of the cell, completing the operation within several hours. According to the IDF, the incident took place despite an ongoing ceasefire. Additional arrests and questioning of suspects were carried out in the area as part of continued security activity along the designated security line. The military stated that forces remain on heightened alert amid repeated attempts by armed groups to approach or cross the area.