Egypt: Suspected militants kill three in Al-Arish (North Sinai) October 20

Event

Suspected militants killed three workers and wounded another who were helping to build a security wall in Al-Arish (North Sinai province) on Saturday, October 20. The same day, security forces killed at least six fighters in two raids on militant hideouts in North Sinai province. Similar militant attacks and raids by security forces on suspected militant hideouts are to be expected in North Sinai province in the coming weeks.

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.

Advice

Due to the prevailing terrorism threat, 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 (i.e. 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.). Many governments advise against travel to North Sinai, where authorities maintain a media blackout and special security zones amid the ongoing anti-terrorist campaign.