Egypt: Peacekeepers killed in helicopter crash in Sinai November 12

Event

Seven members from the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) peacekeeping mission in the Sinai Peninsula were killed in a helicopter crash in the south of the region on Thursday, November 12. The MFO confirmed that it was investigating the incident and there was no immediate confirmation of the cause of the crash. Those killed consist of five Americans, a French, and a Czech Republic national. The Israeli Air Force's search-and-rescue unit reportedly evacuated one person in critical condition to Soroka-University Medical Center in Israel's Beersheba. 

A heightened security presence and transportation disruptions are to be expected around the crash site over the coming hours.

Context

The MFO peacekeeping mission has been deployed to monitor the border between Israel and Egypt and compliance with their 1979 ceasefire since 1982 and has a number of bases in North and South Sinai as well as numerous observer posts along the border. The MFO has 1154 military personnel from the US and 12 other countries covering an area of more than 10,000 square kilometers (3860 square miles) in Sinai.

Advice

Those in Sinai are advised to monitor developments, avoid the vicinity of the crash, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.