Egypt: Telecommunications disruptions, increased security likely in Rafah through mid-May following militant attack on army personnel

Event

Telecommunications disruptions and heightened security are likely in several areas in North Sinai Governorate through at least mid-May following an attack near Rafah. Suspected militants attacked three security checkpoints, leaving at least five Egyptian soldiers dead. The attack has prompted authorities to shut down communication networks in El-Arish, Rafah, and Sheikh Zuwaid. Additional details about the attack remain unclear. No group has as yet claimed responsibility for the incident.

Security forces will almost certainly deploy additional personnel to the affected locations and establish roadblocks throughout Rafah and surrounding areas as part of their efforts to apprehend the attackers. Localized ground travel disruptions are likely.

Context

The May 11 attack comes a few days after Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility for a May 7 attack on a water-pumping facility in an area east of the Suez Canal, killing 17 Egyptian soldiers. IS poses a serious nationwide threat in Egypt. The militant group regularly clashes with security forces in the North Sinai region, where the government has been leading a low-level counterinsurgency campaign since 2011. Despite the military's efforts, IS' Wilayat Sinai branch remains one of the group's most active affiliates in North Africa and will likely remain a potent force for the foreseeable future. While the capabilities of IS affiliates have been degraded in North Sinai from their peak in previous years, IS fighters continue to launch weekly attacks targeting security forces, religious minorities, and civilians.

Advice

Exercise caution if operating in Rafah and surrounding areas. Keep away from locations where security forces appear to be deploying. Heed the instructions of local authorities.