Egypt: Security operations in Giza and North Sinai ahead of Eid al-Adha

Event

The Egyptian military announced on Monday, August 13, that security forces had killed six suspected terrorists in a raid in 6th of October City (Giza province) during an unspecified timeframe. The six people were suspected of plotting attacks on Coptic churches and security personnel during the upcoming Eid al-Adha celebrations. Security forces reportedly found automatic weapons and ammunition in the raid. In addition, state media announced on August 12 that 12 suspected terrorists had been killed during an unspecified timeframe in Al-Arish (North Sinai province). Automatic weapons, ammunition, and explosive devices were reportedly found in the raid.

At least 325 suspected militants have been killed in the Sinai campaign since it began in February 2018. Increased terror activity is possible between August 21 and 25 during Eid al-Adha, while further operations targeting militants are likely in the region in the coming weeks, particularly before and during Eid al-Adha.

Context

Security forces are currently conducting a significant counterterrorism operation in Egypt. The "Sinai 2018" operation aims to eradicate suspected militant and criminal cells in the Sinai Peninsula, the Nile Delta, and the Western Desert, as well as reinforce state control along the country's borders. The Egyptian police and the army have been placed on maximum alert in these regions for the duration of the operation.

Eid al-Adha is one of the most widely observed holidays in Islam and coincides with the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. According to Islamic customs, worshipers usually slaughter a sheep or goat to share the meat with their family and neighbors. About 90 percent of Egypt's population is Muslim.

Advice

Due to the prevailing threat of terrorism, individuals throughout Egypt should report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities and always be on guard when visiting sites deemed particularly likely to be targeted in an attack (e.g. public transportation, train stations, ports, airports, public or government buildings, embassies or consulates, international organizations, schools and universities, religious sites, markets, hotels and restaurants frequented by foreigners/Westerners, festivals, etc.).