Egypt: One soldier killed in blast in Sinai August 19

Event

On Monday, August 20, the Egyptian military announced that an officer was killed in an explosion near Al-Arish (North Sinai province) on Sunday, August 19. According to local sources, the officer was killed during a military operation against the Islamic State (IS). Further attacks by terrorist groups, as well as additional military operations, are to be anticipated in North Sinai province in the coming weeks.

Context

Security forces are currently conducting a significant counterterrorism operation in Egypt. The "Sinai 2018" operation aims to eradicate suspected militant and criminal cells in the Sinai Peninsula, the Nile Delta, and the Western Desert, as well as reinforce state control along the country's borders. The Egyptian police and the army have been placed on maximum alert in these regions for the duration of the operation.

Advice

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 (e.g. 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.).