Operation launched in North Sinai: Media reports
The Armed Forces were expected to impose a siege on parts of northern Sinai on Sunday, according to the privately owned Al-Shorouk newspaper.
The move comes just days after 11 soldiers died and 35 were injured in a car bomb explosion on Wednesday morning in northern Sinai.
The Second Field Army, together with local police, were reported to have recently captured 17 suspects in Rafah and Sheikh Zuwayed on suspicion of involvement in attacks on the military and police forces in northern Sinai.
Turkey’s Anadolu Agency, quoting an eyewitness, reported early Sunday that unknown gunmen attacked the military headquarters in Arish and exchanged fire with security forces before escaping. There were no casualties.
Ahmed Mohamed Ali, official spokesperson of the Armed Forces, however, denied the report, according to the privately owned Al-Masry Al-Youm newspaper.
According to Sunday’s article in Al-Shorouk, security forces were planning to carry out operations aimed at capturing terrorist elements in Sinai. Sources added that information has been gathered about the suspects and their whereabouts.
The Armed Forces are expected to impose the siege on territory from the northern Sinai town of Sheikh Zuwayed, eastwards to the border town of Rafah. The operation will employ aerial and heavy ground support, including helicopters and APCs.
General Ahmed Wasfi, head of the Second Field Army, made an inspection tour in northern Sinai on Saturday, visiting several sites, including Rafah crossing and Arish Hospital, Al-Shorouk reported online.
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