عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Arab World

Egypt: Capturing Three Accused of ‘Terrorism’ in North Sinai

Three accused of terrorism who were captured by the Egyptian Army Forces in Sinai, Saturday. Asharq Al-Awsat Arabic.
Three accused of terrorism who were captured by the Egyptian Army Forces in Sinai, Saturday. Asharq Al-Awsat Arabic.
TT
TT

Egypt: Capturing Three Accused of ‘Terrorism’ in North Sinai

Three accused of terrorism who were captured by the Egyptian Army Forces in Sinai, Saturday. Asharq Al-Awsat Arabic.
Three accused of terrorism who were captured by the Egyptian Army Forces in Sinai, Saturday. Asharq Al-Awsat Arabic.

Army forces arrested three Takfiris and a four-wheeled car hidden in a cave in the middle of the Sinai desert, as well as explosive materials used to make improvised explosive device (IED), Armed Forces spokesperson Tamer al-Refaei said on Saturday.

Refaei added that the forces seized four motorcycles, belonging to the members, in addition to a truck loaded with spare motorcycle parts.

In a related matter, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi held on Saturday a meeting with Defense Minister Gen. Sedki Sobhy, Interior Minister Magdy Abdel Ghaffar, Director of the Egyptian General Intelligence Directorate Major General Khaled Fawzy, and Secretary-General of the Defense Ministry Muhammad Farid Hegazy.

Presidency Spokesman Alaa Youssef said that Sisi was informed of the measures to be taken to secure Egypt’s land and maritime borders, as well as retain full control over crossing points, addressing the relevant authorities’ high level of preparation to confront terrorism.

Major General Fouad Allam stated to Asharq Al-Awsat that capturing those accused of supporting terrorism in Sinai indicates wide-success and reassurance since this proves that the armed forces are in control of crossing ports and roads.

Allam added that the detained represent a treasure of information to the security bodies – this will facilitate capturing terrorist groups in Sinai and foiling potential operations in the future.

Maj. Gen. Mohammed Noureddine, the former assistant to the minister of interior, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the last two operations in east and west Egypt show that the Egyptian security bodies are in an ongoing war that needs support from the interior.

Egyptian police and army are being victims of recurring attacks, mainly in Sinai, since the ousting of Mohammed Morsi in 2013.

Most Viewed

 
 
Arab World

Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
TT
TT

Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)

Pakistan’s Minister of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Chaudhry Salik Hussain sparked controversy when he revealed that 50,000 Pakistanis have gone missing in Iraq over the years.

He urged the Baghdad government to immediately launch a probe into how the Pakistanis entered Iraq to visit religious sites during the month of Muharram, he was quoted as saying by Pakistan’s Ummat newspaper.

Islamabad is investigating how people have traveled outside Pakistan through illegal means, he remarked.

The permanent committee for religious affairs and interfaith harmony has since proposed new policies for trips to holy sites in foreign countries, including Iraq.

In Iraq, the minister’s comments drew mockery and condemnation on social media and sparked renewed debate over illegal workers in the country.

Politician Mishaan al-Juburi urged the government to make a statement over Hussain’s comments, warning that they may impact security and the labor force.

Hussain’s comments coincided with Iraqi police announcing the arrest of six Pakistanis in Baghdad on charges of theft.

Previously, military intelligence also announced the arrest of a nine-member Pakistani kidnapping and extortion gang in Baghdad. The gang had kidnapped foreigners for ransom.

Meanwhile, Labor Minister Ahmed al-Asadi expressed his concern and condemnation over the increasing number of illegal workers in Iraq.

He said his ministry will investigate the disappearance of the Pakistanis.

He confirmed that several tourists, including Pakistanis, have flocked to Iraq in recent days, and many have taken up employment without the necessary legal permits.

He warned that this phenomenon is negatively impacting the national economy.

The ministry will not be lenient in taking the necessary legal measures against the violators, he vowed.

Iraq welcomes all tourists, whether they are here on a religious visit or otherwise, but they must respect local laws and regulations, declared Asadi.

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala.