Armed Forces kill ‘terrorist’ in Sinai after grenade attack

Egyptian soldiers killed a man described as a “terrorist” in northern Sinai Saturday. Armed Forces spokesperson Ahmed Mohamed Ali described the dead man, Ahmed Ahmeid Sereeg,  as “a highly wanted terrorist” who was also known as Abou Tartar.

The spokesperson, in a statement posted on his official Facebook page, said that Sereeg was shot dead after he threw a grenade at soldiers stationed south of Sheihk Zuwayed.

The attack occurred, Ali said, during an operation by Armed Forces who were combing the area for wanted individuals.

A search of Sereeg’s body led to discovery of a second grenade. “Apparently, the assailant was planning to use it in case he was followed,” Aly said.

On Thursday, a military source reported that Armed Forces operations in Sinai have resulted in 164 deaths and 592 arrests since July, according to the state-owned Al-Ahram newspaper’s website.

Since the ouster of former President Mohamed Morsi, on July 3, 440 Egyptians have been arrested on suspicion of involvement in terrorist or other criminal acts. Also arrested are an unknown number Palestinians and Eritreans, as well as the holders of passports from the US and European nations.

According to Al Ahram, six terrorist groups are currently operating in the Sinai Peninsula. Following the death or arrest of several leading figures, these groups, Al Ahram reported, have united under the umbrella of Ansar Beit al-Maqdes.

The militant group claimed responsibility for an attempt on the life of Interior Minister Mohamed Ibrahim in September. A car bomb exploded, leaving the minister uninjured but wounding at least 11 people.