Egypt Executes Militant for Plotting Deadly Attack

Military forces are seen in North Sinai, Egypt, December 1, 2017. (Reuters)
Military forces are seen in North Sinai, Egypt, December 1, 2017. (Reuters)
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Egypt Executes Militant for Plotting Deadly Attack

Military forces are seen in North Sinai, Egypt, December 1, 2017. (Reuters)
Military forces are seen in North Sinai, Egypt, December 1, 2017. (Reuters)

Egypt on Saturday executed a Libyan militant convicted of plotting an attack that killed at least 16 police officers in 2017, the military said.

Abdel-Rahim al-Mosmari was hanged in a Cairo prison after a military appeals court upheld his death sentence last week, the military said. The deadly attack southwest of the Egyptian capital took place in October 2017.

Al-Mosmari was arrested a month after the attack. He was tried by a military court and sentenced to death in November last year.

The court also sentenced 15 other defendants for their involvement in the attack, including 10 in absentia, to life in prison. Another 17 got 5- to 15-year sentences.

Al-Mosmari was from Libya’s eastern city of Derna, which served as a safe haven for years for militant groups before the Libyan National Army, commanded by Khalifa Hafter, took control of it early in 2018.

The defendants were accused of plotting and taking part in the 2017 attack on police forces as they raided the militants' hideout.

The attack took place in the al-Wahat al-Bahriya area, about 135 kilometers from Cairo. The area is the gateway into Egypt’s vast Western Desert which leads to strife-torn Libya.

For years, authorities have considered the area an infiltration path for smugglers and militants, and have blamed some past attacks on extremists transiting through.



Türkiye, Jordan Coordinate Syria’s Transition and Refugee Return

Fidan and Safadi during the press conference in Ankara (Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Fidan and Safadi during the press conference in Ankara (Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
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Türkiye, Jordan Coordinate Syria’s Transition and Refugee Return

Fidan and Safadi during the press conference in Ankara (Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Fidan and Safadi during the press conference in Ankara (Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Türkiye and Jordan have agreed on the importance of ensuring Syria’s unity and sovereignty while supporting its new administration in achieving stability and rebuilding a future inclusive of all Syrians without discrimination.

High-level discussions in Ankara on Monday, involving foreign and defense ministers as well as intelligence chiefs from both countries, underscored joint efforts toward Syria’s reconstruction, the return of refugees, and improving daily life for citizens.

The talks came amid intensified Turkish military actions against the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) near Tishrin Dam and Qara Qozak Bridge in eastern Aleppo. Türkiye’s Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, speaking alongside Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, emphasized cooperation on counterterrorism, developments in Syria, Palestine, Iraq, and the broader region.

Fidan noted that Türkiye and Jordan have been aligned since the onset of the Syrian conflict, and both countries remain focused on stabilizing Syria. He revealed plans to draft a roadmap for supporting the Syrian people in coordination with Syrian stakeholders. Future meetings involving Türkiye, Jordan, Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon are also planned to discuss regional stability. He further reaffirmed solidarity with Jordan in efforts to stop the aggression in Gaza.

Safadi, for his part, stressed that Syria’s stability is vital to regional security, highlighting the shared commitment of Jordan and Türkiye to supporting Syrians in rebuilding their nation on inclusive foundations. He noted discussions on enhancing essential services, including electricity access, for Syrians and emphasized Amman’s intention to intensify cooperation with Ankara and Baghdad to create solutions benefiting the entire region.

Both ministers condemned Israel’s recent attacks on Syrian territory, describing them as clear violations of international law and Syria’s sovereignty. They also reiterated the unified stance of Arab states in supporting Syria’s stability and reconstruction.

Fidan declared that eliminating the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) is only a matter of time, rejecting policies that enable the YPG’s continued presence in Syria. He affirmed Türkiye’s commitment to combating ISIS both domestically and abroad.

Safadi, who later met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, expressed Jordan’s full support for Türkiye in its fight against terrorism and threats to its security. He underlined the importance of a dignified and stable life for Kurds within Syria’s diverse society, rejecting the resurgence of terrorism and warning against renewed internal conflict in Syria.