Israeli security forces launched a large-scale manhunt after two armed suspects fled from police near Adam Junction in the Binyamin region, leading officers and soldiers on a chase along Route 60 before escaping into al-Ram.

The incident began early Monday morning, when a police officer and soldier operating in the area noticed a vehicle stopped along the road near Adam Junction, with two people who appeared to be armed standing beside it, according to police.

Upon noticing the security personnel, the two entered their vehicle and fled, prompting a pursuit along Route 60.

Police said the suspects drove dangerously during the chase and struck a police vehicle, causing a crash in which the officer and soldier were lightly injured. Both were evacuated to a hospital for treatment.

The pursuing force opened fire at the vehicle's tires in an attempt to stop it, but the suspects continued toward the Palestinian town of al-Ram and escaped into the area.

Police and IDF forces subsequently launched extensive searches, while forces from the Binyamin Brigade placed a cordon around al-Ram and operated in Area B in an effort to locate the fugitives.

Judea and Samaria District Police Commander Moshe Pinchi said the alertness and response of the forces may have prevented a more serious incident. Authorities have not, however, determined what the armed suspects were planning, and investigators said all possibilities remained under examination.

The investigation was assigned to the Samaria District's crime-fighting unit as the search continued.