Egypt: Ten killed in northern Sinai May 10

Event

Egyptian officials reported on May 10 that ten people were killed in an ambush by Islamist extremists in northern Sinai Peninsula. Men from the Tarabin tribe were reportedly manning a security checkpoint when a vehicle approached and opened fire. Security officials have reported the attack anonymously and further information as to the identity or affiliation of the militants was unavailable shortly after the attack.

Context

Ten Egyptian security forces were killed in three roadside bombings carried out in central Sinai on Thursday, March 23. Their vehicles were targeted during fighting with Islamic State (IS) militants. According to Egyptian authorities, 15 militants were also killed in the clashes and seven others were arrested.

The restive Sinai peninsula, and in particular its northern area, is frequently the theater of terrorist attacks conducted predominantly by IS affiliates; anti-terrorist campaigns are regularly carried out by the Egyptian security forces. Arish in particular has been a hotspot of the insurgency in the region, and the road between Arish and Hasna has previously been targeted, including an incident on January 23 when five soldiers were killed. Elsewhere across the peninsula's northern and central regions, Sinai province fighters regularly strike Egyptian army patrols with improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and sniper fire and periodically mount larger attacks on security checkpoints.

Advice

The security environment in Egypt remains complex. Although travel is permissible in some areas, other areas should be considered strictly off limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel. Due to the high risk of terrorist attacks and kidnapping, some Western governments advise their citizens against travel to North Sinai province.