Israel’s military reports that an Egyptian policeman shot and killed three Israeli soldiers on Israeli territory close to the Egyptian border.

It also states that an inquiry with the Egyptian army has begun.

According to the Egyptian military, a security officer was pursuing narcotics smugglers when he crossed a checkpoint.

According to the Israeli military, the shootings were believed to be related to a cocaine smuggling operation it had conducted the previous night.

Two Israeli soldiers, a man and a woman, who were stationed in a remote area along the border, were reportedly shot and killed early on Saturday morning, according to the army.

After a senior officer was unable to reach them, their bodies were found.

The alleged attacker was surrounded and there was a shooting hours later, according to the Israeli military.

Along with the gunman, who authorities claimed to be an Egyptian policeman, a third soldier was also slain.

In that encounter, a second soldier sustained injuries.

The Egyptian military issued a confusing statement in which it claimed that an Israeli security officer was pursuing narcotics traffickers and that a firefight resulted in the deaths of the Israelis.

Israeli authorities recovered contraband during the nighttime operation, estimated to be worth $400,000.

According to the army, soldiers are still looking for potential suspects in the region.