JERUSALEM (VINnews) — The Israel Defense Forces said it struck and eliminated two Hamas terrorists in the northern Gaza Strip on Friday, including a company commander in the group’s elite Nukhba force and a sniper in its military wing.

The IDF identified the men as Hani Abd al-Hai Fakhri Mazloum, a Nukhba company commander, and Hassan Zidan Hassan Deiri, a sniper. Both were also involved in trafficking and supplying weapons to Hamas terrorists, the military said.

The IDF said the two had continued advancing attacks against Israeli troops and civilians and working to rebuild Hamas capabilities, in systematic violation of the ceasefire. The strikes were carried out to remove the immediate threat they posed.

Before the operation, the military said it took steps to reduce harm to civilians, including the use of precise munitions and aerial surveillance.

IDF troops under Southern Command remain deployed in the area in accordance with the ceasefire agreement and will continue to act against any immediate threat, the statement said.

Hamas did not immediately comment on the identifications.