JERUSALEM (VINnews)-Israeli forces struck and eliminated several armed terrorists, including members of Islamic Jihad, as they were transferring weapons into a vehicle in the southern Gaza Strip on Monday, the Israel Defense Forces said.

The terrorists, along with additional armed operatives, were preparing to use the weapons in attacks against IDF troops operating in the area, according to the military. Following aerial surveillance that identified the activity, the IDF carried out an airstrike on the terrorists while they were inside the vehicle and adjacent to it.

Prior to the strike, the military said it took steps to minimize harm to civilians, including the use of precise munitions.

IDF troops under the Southern Command remain deployed in the area in accordance with the ceasefire agreement and will continue operating to neutralize immediate threats, the statement added.

The incident comes as Israeli forces maintain operations in Gaza to prevent terror activity despite the ceasefire framework.