Egypt: Two explosions reported near Cairo Airport July 12 /update 1

Event

At approximately 22:30 (local time) on Thursday, July 12, two large explosions were reported near Cairo International Airport (CAI). As of the early hours of Friday, July 13, the fires caused by the blasts have been brought under control. According to reports, the explosions were caused by the detonation of two fuel storage tanks outside the airport perimeter; it is currently unclear what may have caused the explosion. Airport officials have announced that flights at CAI have resumed following a temporary suspension. Authorities are investigating the blasts.

Advice

Individuals in Cairo are advised to avoid the area of the blast, anticipate flight disruptions at CAI in the coming hours, and to adhere to all orders issued by the local authorities.

Due to the prevailing threat of terrorism, individuals throughout Egypt should report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities and always be on guard when visiting sites deemed particularly vulnerable to an attack (public transportation, train stations, ports, airports, public or government buildings, embassies or consulates, international organizations, schools and universities, religious sites, markets, hotels and restaurants frequented by foreigners/Westerners, festivals, etc.). Some governments advise their nationals against all travel to the Sinai Peninsula due to the persistent terrorist threat.