“Skunk” on Riot Patrol

October 26, 2008

Over the past few years, security forces have been compelled to deal with a large number of demonstrations against construction of the separation fence in the West Bank [Judea and Samaria] village of Bilin and, lately, in Naalin. Until now, forces used rubber bullets, tear gas, and shock grenades in order to disperse crowds who burned tires and threw stones at soldiers.

The police searched for a solution to deal with riots and simultaneously reduce the number of injuries. Thus, it was decided to “enlist” the “Skunk” for dispersing riots. Use of the “Skunk” is by means of an especially foul-smelling, liquid-spraying machine. “Skunk” is operated by two manual systems and one water-spraying machine. However, instead of spraying water, the foul-smelling material is sprayed.

During a protest that took place near the West Bank village of Naalin, Border Guard officers used the “skunk” for the first time in order to scatter violent rioters in the area. The Border Guard reported that after the first usage of the “skunk,” the Palestinians fled in order to shower and change clothes.

Excerpted from an article by Efrat Weiss, Ynetnews.com

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