An Israeli police officer was killed overnight after being shot during a chase in the Wadi Ara region, northeast of Tel Aviv, according to the Press Service of Israel (TPS-IL).

The 28-year-old detective was part of a team pursuing armed suspects traveling on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) in the village of Zalafa, near Haifa. According to police, the suspects opened fire on the officers during the pursuit, striking the detective. He was rushed to the hospital in serious condition but succumbed to his injuries.

Preliminary findings suggest the officers were targeting a group involved in arms trafficking. The exchange of fire broke out when the detectives attempted to intercept the suspects. Police said large forces have been deployed across Wadi Ara and surrounding communities to track down those responsible.

“During an operational activity near Ma’ale Iron, suspects on an ATV opened fire on detectives,” the police said in a statement. “Forces are continuing the search to locate and arrest them.”

The Wadi Ara corridor, home to several Arab towns and villages, has long been a focal point for police operations against organized crime and the illegal weapons trade.