Egypt: Security forces kill 27 militants in Sinai, Western Desert

Event

Security forces killed 27 militants in North Sinai province and in the Western Desert, near the Egyptian-Libyan border, per a military report issued on Wednesday, December 12. According to the report, Egyptian forces also destroyed 61 vehicles carrying weapons and ammunition in the Western Desert and destroyed hundreds of suspected militant hideouts and explosive devices, in addition to arresting some 400 suspected militants. One soldier was killed by militants in the operations. Similar security operations are possible in North Sinai province and the Western Desert over the near term.

Context

Security forces are currently conducting a significant counterterrorism operation in Egypt. The "Sinai 2018" mission aims to neutralize 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.). Many governments advise against travel to North Sinai, where authorities maintain a media blackout and special security zones amid the ongoing anti-terrorist campaign.