Egypt: At least eight killed in clashes in North Sinai August 24

Event

Security forces clashed with suspected terrorists in the city of Al-Arish (North Sinai province), according to media reports on Saturday, August 24. According to a military spokesperson, at least four soldiers and four militants were killed in the fighting, with several more Egyptian soldiers suffering injuries. Additional clashes, as well as security forces raids on suspected militant positions, are possible in Egypt in the near-term.

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.).