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Palestinian security forces and vehicles assemble in formation in a parking lot, Jenin, West Bank, Oct. 2, 2013. Photo by AP

by The Associated Press as reported in Haaretz

Officials say hundreds of Palestinian troops have deployed in the West Bank's Jenin district, reinforcing the security presence in the increasingly restive former militant stronghold.

The troops, wearing helmets and riot gear, rode in a convoy of cars into the main Jenin security compound Wednesday. They assembled in formation in a parking lot.

The town of Jenin and its adjacent refugee camp were controlled by vigilante gunmen several years ago, but were then targeted in a law-and-order campaign by the Palestinian self-rule government.

The level of unrest has risen in recent months, in part after Israelis raided the area to arrest suspected militants. Three Palestinians died in raids that turned violent in the past two months. After the last killing, stone-throwing camp residents attacked Palestinian government offices in the area.