Egypt launches major security operation against 'terrorists' across country

Cairo, February 9: Egypt army has launched a major security operation against “terrorist and criminal elements and organizations” on Friday. The Army Spokesperson of Egypt announced the operation which is to be held in the Nile Delta and the northern Sinai Peninsula.

The area is the heart of persistent Islamic State group insurgency. The aim is to crush years-long Islamist insurgency within a three-month deadline set by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. Since the army overthrew Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in 2013, security forces are more targeting the jihadists.

The operation will involve operational and training maneuvers to tighten state control on the country’s crossing points with neighboring countries. The army chief has urged to cooperate law enforcement agencies.

North Sinai is the main stronghold of terrorists. Hundreds of policemen and soldiers in terror attacks in the past years, as well as common man, lost their lives.