The Union of Sinai Tribes announced that four civilians were killed and 13 others injured during an attack of armed gunmen in Qabir Omair village in Sheikh Zuweid, North Sinai.
Qabir Omair is among several areas in North Sinai included in armed forces' security operation “Comprehensive Operation- Sinai” launched in February 2018 to cleanse the region from terrorist and criminal elements and organization.
The Union issued a statement saying that masked gunmen came from the south of the city and opened fire at the houses as soon as they reached Qabir Omair village.
The statement noted that residents tried to confront the terrorists who attacked several homes, killing four and injuring 13 others.
A medical source in North Sinai said that the dead and the injured were evacuated to al-Arish General Hospital, including four serious cases.
Ahmed Abu Ajlan, a farmer from the village, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the gunmen targeted a family inside their home.
Another village man, Mohammed Mouslim, said that the gunmen were planning to rob the house, noting that they were over 10 militants and escaped as soon as security forces arrived.
Tribal and security sources in North Sinai told Asharq Al-Awsat that the attack indicates that terrorists are running low on their supplies and food, and that is why they are robbing homes.
A tribal source indicated that terrorists previously attacked three houses and stole provisions, food, and cattle.
Security expert, Colonel Hatem Saber, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the attack confirms that Egypt succeeded in ending the logistical support of the terrorists, ensuring the importance of controlling all the roads they use to transport supplies and food.
He explained that due to the closure of all roads, militants are now forced to raid residents’ homes to loot their food supplies, citing former incidents when the terrorist groups robbed a large sum of money from a bank in al-Arish in North Sinai three years ago.
