Deadly conflict between militants, security in Sinai

Ten Islamist militants were allegedly killed by the Armed Forces on Wednesday, reported the state-run Middle East News Agency. Military sources claimed the killings occurred as part of the military’s campaign to end militant activities in the peninsula.

On Thursday, the Associated Press reported that the army had been particularly concerned by deposed President Mohamed Morsi's leniency toward militant groups in Sinai. Sources interviewed by AP suggested that Morsi had explicitly asked Defense Minister Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to halt crackdowns on militants in Sinai. 

Wednesday was also a bloody day for security forces, when three police officers were allegedly shot dead in Sheikh Zuwayed and Arish, reported the state-run news site Egynews.

A member of the security forces in Sheikh Zuwayed claimed that armed men drove by the police station there, opening fire on the soldiers posted in front of the facility. The source also claimed that the same car had been reportedly used in an attack on a military checkpoint close to the police station, in which no one was injured, Egynews reported.

In a separate incident, Officer Mahmoud Hanafy Mohamed was allegedly shot dead in front of his house in Arish’s Obour District, according to Egynews. Sources claim that the victim was on his way home from work when unidentified assailants shot him in the neck and chest.

Police officer Abdel Aziz Mahmoud of the National Security Forces was allegedly shot in the chest during an attack on a police station in Arish, and passed away at the scene of the assault. Another officer was allegedly shot in the neck in the same attack and is said to be in critical condition, Egynews reported.

Two officers were also reported injured in attacks on Al-Mazra’a and airport checkpoints in Arish. According to Egynews, the assailants used RPJ missiles.

The Ministry of Interior condemned the attacks, but added that its officers would continue to serve their country with complete devotion. According to the state-run news site Al-Ahram Gate, Minister of Interior Mohamed Ibrahim claimed that the ministry would take responsibility for the families of the deceased, and would offer medical and social services to those injured.

The people of Sinai have consistently complained that violence and militancy are the product of developmental neglect in the region, which has become a fertile ground for outlaws in the wake of weak state presence there.