Egypt: Security forces kill 40 militants December 29 /update 1

Event

Egyptian authorities announced that multiple raids in Giza and North Sinai resulted in the deaths of 40 militants on Saturday, December 29. The announcement comes a day after a roadside bomb killed three foreign tourists and one Egyptian in Giza's Al-Haram neighborhood. Similar security operations are likely in the coming days and weeks.

Context

Egypt frequently conducts raids on suspected militant groups following terrorist attacks. Security forces are also in the middle of a counterterrorism operation named "Sinai 2018" that aims to neutralize militant and terrorist groups operating in the Sinai, Nile Delta, and Western Desert. The targets of the raids are not confirmed by independent reporting and foreign tourists have previously been killed in similar operations.

Unknown assailants detonated a roadside bomb in Giza's Al-Haram neighborhood, near the Pyramids of Giza, targeting a tour bus. Four people were killed, including three foreign tourists, and ten others were wounded in the attack. Terrorist groups in Egypt are known to target foreign tourists, though most attacks have occurred in the Sinai or in the southern portions of the country.

Advice

Individuals in Egypt are advised to monitor the situation, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments, report suspicious behavior and objects to the authorities, remain vigilant when visiting areas vulnerable to terrorist attacks (e.g. tourist sites, churches, international and government buildings, public transportation hubs, etc.), and anticipate similar security operations in the near term.