Sisi Inaugurates Bernice Military Base at Event Attended by Khalid bin Salman, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince

Egypt's Bernice military base. (Twitter)
Egypt's Bernice military base. (Twitter)
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Sisi Inaugurates Bernice Military Base at Event Attended by Khalid bin Salman, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince

Egypt's Bernice military base. (Twitter)
Egypt's Bernice military base. (Twitter)

Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi inaugurated on Wednesday the Bernice military base on the Red Sea. The event was attended by Saudi Deputy Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed.

The inauguration was also attended by Egyptian parliament Speaker Ali Abdul Aal, Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouli and Defense Minister Mohammed Zaki.

Described as the largest air and land base in the Middle East, Bernice covers an area of 150,000 acres and overlooks the Red Sea coast on Egypt’s southern border. It includes two tarmacs and a hangar to perform maintenance operations on jets, reported Egypt’s official news agency. It boasts many firing and training ranges for all weapons, in addition to a number of logistic and housing facilities. It comprises a naval base, air base, military hospital and a number of combat and administrative units.

The base has already witnessed a major military drill, Qadir 2020, that included the participation of Mistral-class carriers, submarines, combat ships, amphibious units and various fighters.

In a tweet, Sheikh Mohamed said: “I was happy to accompany the Egyptian President during the opening of the Berenice military base and civilian airport. Such achievements reflect Egypt's vision of all-round development and enhance its role in regional stability. We wish it more progress and prosperity.”



Lebanon State Media Says Israel Blows Up Houses on Border

This handout satellite picture provided by Planet Labs PBC and dated October 24, 2024 shows a view of the village of the southern Lebanese village of Mais al-Jabal on the border with Israel, amid the ongoing war between Hezbollah and Israel. (Photo by Planet Labs PBC / AFP)
This handout satellite picture provided by Planet Labs PBC and dated October 24, 2024 shows a view of the village of the southern Lebanese village of Mais al-Jabal on the border with Israel, amid the ongoing war between Hezbollah and Israel. (Photo by Planet Labs PBC / AFP)
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Lebanon State Media Says Israel Blows Up Houses on Border

This handout satellite picture provided by Planet Labs PBC and dated October 24, 2024 shows a view of the village of the southern Lebanese village of Mais al-Jabal on the border with Israel, amid the ongoing war between Hezbollah and Israel. (Photo by Planet Labs PBC / AFP)
This handout satellite picture provided by Planet Labs PBC and dated October 24, 2024 shows a view of the village of the southern Lebanese village of Mais al-Jabal on the border with Israel, amid the ongoing war between Hezbollah and Israel. (Photo by Planet Labs PBC / AFP)

Lebanese state media said the Israeli army on Friday detonated explosives planted inside houses in three border villages that have been battered by the Israel-Hezbollah war.

Hezbollah says it is engaged in fighting Israeli forces in the area, more than a month into an Israeli ground invasion aimed at pushing the Iran-backed group away from the border.

"Since this morning, the Israeli enemy's army has been carrying out bombing operations inside the villages of Yaroun, Aitaroun and Maroun al-Ras in the Bint Jbeil area, with the aim of destroying residential homes there," the official National News Agency said.

Israeli forces also conducted a raid in the nearby town of Bint Jbeil, NNA said, after Hezbollah said it targeted Israeli troops in the flashpoint border region, AFP reported.

Hezbollah said on Thursday it had "ambushed" Israeli ground forces attempting to infiltrate Yaroun.

The group has claimed eight operations since Wednesday targeting Israeli troops on the outskirts of Maroun al-Ras.

Friday's explosions are the latest in a string of similar incidents that have impacted the border area.

According to NNA, Israeli troops blew up buildings in at least seven border villages last month.

Footage verified by AFP on Monday showed massive blasts that ripped through Mais al-Jabal and reduced homes to rubble.

Israel's Channel 12 last month broadcast footage appearing to show one of its presenters blow up a building while embedded with soldiers in the village of Aita al-Shaab.