Explosive-filled barrels found on Israeli beach

Two explosive devices in barrels were discovered on beaches in southern Israel.

The barrels were discovered Monday in Ashkelon and Ashdod, according to reports, and deactivated by police sappers.

Police told the Israeli media that they believe the barrels came from the Gaza Strip, Haaretz reported. The barrels, which were discovered by people walking on the beach, each weighed about 175 pounds.

Israeli civilians were barred from the Ashkelon and Ashdod beaches.

Meanwhile, a senior Palestinian source told Ynet Monday evening that the explosives were to be used to attack an Israeli oil rig in southern Israel. The source told Ynet that the attacks were a joint operation of several Palestinian terror groups.