Egypt’s Defense Minister Urges Air Defense Forces to Maintain Peak Combat Readiness

Defense Minister Abdel Majeed Saqr at the iftar with members of the Air Defense Forces on Sunday. (Egyptian Military Spokesman)
Defense Minister Abdel Majeed Saqr at the iftar with members of the Air Defense Forces on Sunday. (Egyptian Military Spokesman)
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Egypt’s Defense Minister Urges Air Defense Forces to Maintain Peak Combat Readiness

Defense Minister Abdel Majeed Saqr at the iftar with members of the Air Defense Forces on Sunday. (Egyptian Military Spokesman)
Defense Minister Abdel Majeed Saqr at the iftar with members of the Air Defense Forces on Sunday. (Egyptian Military Spokesman)

Egyptian Defense Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Abdel Majeed Saqr called on the country’s air defense forces to maintain rigorous training and the highest levels of combat efficiency and operational readiness. He also stressed the importance of enhancing the technical performance of weapons and equipment to ensure maximum effectiveness.

During an iftar gathering with members of the Air Defense Forces on Sunday, Saqr emphasized the need for full preparedness to protect Egypt’s airspace against all threats. The event was attended by Chief of Staff Ahmed Khalifa, senior military commanders, and key officials from the armed forces.

According to military spokesman Gharib Abdel Hafez, the defense minister conveyed President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s appreciation for the unwavering efforts of Egypt’s air defense personnel in safeguarding national airspace around the clock.

He reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to continuously supporting the air defense units by equipping them with the latest combat systems to ensure optimal mission execution.

Saqr also reviewed regional developments and their implications for Egypt’s national security, underscoring the strategic importance of maintaining a well-prepared and technologically advanced military.

On Saturday, the defense minister shared an iftar meal with troops from the Central Military Zone, Border Guards, Paratroopers, and Special Forces. He highlighted the army’s recent advancements in training and armament across all branches, formations, and units.

“Our Armed Forces, equipped with a modernized defense system, are fully capable of securing the country’s strategic borders,” Saqr stated. He described national defense as a “sacred duty” requiring continuous readiness to confront emerging challenges.

He also urged the troops to prioritize ongoing training, maintain high morale, and enhance both their physical and tactical skills, ensuring that the military remains vigilant and prepared to execute any mission under any circumstances.



Hemedti Admits Forces Withdrew from Sudan Capital

A picture shows burnt vehicles in a southern neighbourhood of Khartoum on March 29, 2025, after the military recaptured the capital. (Photo by AFP)
A picture shows burnt vehicles in a southern neighbourhood of Khartoum on March 29, 2025, after the military recaptured the capital. (Photo by AFP)
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Hemedti Admits Forces Withdrew from Sudan Capital

A picture shows burnt vehicles in a southern neighbourhood of Khartoum on March 29, 2025, after the military recaptured the capital. (Photo by AFP)
A picture shows burnt vehicles in a southern neighbourhood of Khartoum on March 29, 2025, after the military recaptured the capital. (Photo by AFP)

The head of the Sudanese Rapid Support Forces admitted in a speech to fighters on Sunday that the group had withdrawn from the capital but pledged the RSF would return stronger to Khartoum.

"I confirm to you that we have indeed left Khartoum, but... we will return with even stronger determination," Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo said in the speech, three days after the group said there would be "no retreat.”

It was Dagalo's first comment since the RSF were pushed back from most parts of Khartoum by the Sudanese army during a devastating war that has lasted two years.

Dagalo, also known as Hemedti, conceded in an audio message on Telegram that his forces left the capital last week as the army consolidated its gains.

Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan ruled out any reconciliation with the RSF in a video statement on Saturday in which he vowed to crush the group.

"We will neither forgive, nor compromise, nor negotiate," he said, reaffirming the military's commitment to restoring national unity and stability.

Earlier on Saturday, the army said it had taken control of a major market in Khartoum's twin city of Omdurman, which had previously been used by the RSF to launch attacks during a devastating two-year-old war.

Burhan also said fighters who "repent to the truth" could still be amnestied if they lay down their arms, particularly those who are in rebel-held areas.