Egypt: Security forces kill five militants in Akhmim (Sohag province) August 27 /update 1

Event

Egyptian security forces killed at least five suspected militants in an operation in Akhmim district (Sohag province) on Monday, August 27. The security forces also reportedly recovered weapons, ammunition, and documents from the site. Additional security operations are expected in Sohag province in the coming weeks.

Context

The operation notably comes after reports on August 20 claimed that security forces clashed with militants in Akhmim (Sohag province), killing two of the militants and arresting another, as well as securing the release of an individual who had been kidnapped by the group in Giza province.

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.

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 vulnerable to 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.).