Egypt: Security forces kill 12 suspected militants in Cairo raid May 20 /update 1

Event

The Egyptian Ministry of Interior announced on Monday, May 20, that security forces killed at least 12 militants affiliated with the Hasm Movement during an operation in Cairo's 6th of October and Al-Shorouk neighborhoods. It was not immediately made clear whether the militants were connected with an attack that targeted a tourist bus near the Giza Pyramids on Sunday, May 19.

Context

The May 19 attack - which wounded 17 people - was the second to target tourists near the Great Pyramids over the last six months. On December 28, an improvised explosive device (IED) detonation targeted a tourist bus in Giza, killing two tourists and wounding 12 other people. Terrorist groups have previously targeted tourists across Egypt, including in the 1997 Luxor massacre, 2005 Sharm El-Sheikh attacks, 2015 Metrojet bombing, and stabbing attacks at resort beaches in 2016 and 2017.

The Egyptian government accuses the Hasm Movement of being the armed wing of the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood.

Advice

Individuals in Egypt are advised to monitor developments, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments, report suspicious behavior and objects to the authorities, remain vigilant when visiting areas susceptible to terror activity (e.g. tourist sites, churches, international and government buildings, public transportation hubs, etc.), and anticipate similar security operations over the near term.