An IDF force on Sunday uncovered three mines hidden near the border fence in central Gaza. The mines were meant to explode during army patrols.

The mines were anti-vehicle devices apparently placed there recently. They were dismantled without causing injury or damage.

It remains unclear when the mines were planted, but army officials estimated that they were placed near the border sometime during the past few days.

The mines that were found are capable of causing extensive damage to armored vehicles, including tanks. They contain up to 10 kilograms (22 pounds) of explosives and require an applied pressure of only a few hundred kilograms to detonate.

IDF officials said the discovery of the mines proves that armed Palestinian groups in the Hamas-ruled territory are developing new methods of operation in order to attack Israeli forces.

Three IDF soldiers were killed near the Gaza border last month.