Jerusalem: In an apparent assassination bid, Mahmoud Abbas, who was chosen as PLO (Palestinian Liberation Organisation) chief to succeed late Yasser Arafat, yesterday (Nov 15, 2004) escaped unhurt when gunmen belonging to a radical Palestinian outfit opened fire killing two of his security guards.

A group of gunmen, suspected to be belonging to radical PLO outfit Fatah's armed wing, opened fire when Abbas and former Security Minister Muhammad Dahlan arrived at a tent in Gaza city to receive condolences for Arafat at the late leader's headquarters in Gaza City.

Abbas was hustled by guards and thrown to the ground for security reasons as the shooting intensified killing two of his security personnel.

The Fatah members raised slogans against him and Dahlan, accusing them of being traitors. The gunmen also chanted, "With our blood and souls, we will redeem Abu Amar (Arafat)."

However, Abbas, who was chosen to succeed Arafat earlier today, denied the incident was an assassination attempt against him.

"There was no assassination attempt. It was very crowded and some people shot in the air to disperse the crowd," he told reporters.

Security officials said the gunmen belonged to Fatah's armed wing, Aksa Martyrs Brigades.