Egypt: Security forces raid militant hideout in Al-Arish February 11 /update 1

Event

Suspected militants engaged police officers who were raiding their hideout in Al-Arish (North Sinai province) on Tuesday, February 11. According to the National Security Agency, security forces received intelligence that jihadists were hiding in the city's Obeidat district and were planning to carry out operations from the area. Officials said that 11 militants were killed during the shootout at the hideout and that another six died while attempting to escape the officers. Multiple weapons and at least two suicide vests were recovered during the operation.

Similar security operations are possible in North Sinai over the near term.

Context

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

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, and remain vigilant when visiting areas vulnerable to terrorist attacks (e.g. tourist sites, churches, international and government buildings, public transportation hubs, etc.).