Gunmen kill Israeli guard in central West Bank, flee the scene

Unknown gunmen have shot and killed an Israeli guard at the entrance to the illegal Israeli settlement of Ariel in north-central West Bank.

Two suspects drove up to the entrance on Friday, gunned down the officer at the checkpoint there, and then fled the scene, an Israeli army spokesman said.

Footage captured by security cameras in the area saw the attackers getting off their vehicle afterwards, and riddling the guard post there with bullets before driving away, The Times of Israel reported.

The Israeli army has launched a far-and-wide manhunt for the assailants.

The occupation forces also reportedly closed the entrance to the city of Salfit, which is situated to the north of the settlement, following the incident.

No person or group has claimed responsibility for the incident so far.

The Israeli regime began escalating its recurrently-deadly attacks against Palestinians in the run-up to Ramadan and sustained the violence throughout the holy fasting month, stirring up anti-Tel Aviv sentiments throughout the occupied territories.

Since last month, at least 25 Palestinians and 14 Israelis have been killed during either shooting attacks or clashes.

MG