On Thursday, the Egyptian media announced that the Egyptian Army carried out a military maneuver on the Western strategic direction called “Hasm 2020”, including a training for the Air Force to face mercenaries of irregular armies and target their hotbeds.
Hasm 2020 maneuver
During the training, a number of helicopters raided and destroyed a hideout housing a number of mercenaries. Also, under the cover of artillery fire, acts of warfare have been carried out within the framework of the maneuver. Also, live ammunition was fired by military tanks.
Minister of Defense Mohamed Zaki and Chief-of-staff of the Army Mohamed Farid attended the final phase of the training drills.
The Egyptian military maneuvers come one day after the Turkish naval forces announced that they will carry out huge naval exercises off the Libyan coast during the coming period.
In June, Sisi checked on the forces in the Western Military Zone, telling them, "The Egyptian Army is one of the strongest in the region. Yet, it is a wise army that protects but doesn't threaten, and is able to defend the national security of Egypt within and beyond its borders."
The president said that the Air Force, the Special Forces, and the Border Guards have been securing 1,200 kilometers of borders with Libya for seven years, and accomplishing missions that have not been disclosed.
"I'm so happy to meet you today. I got assured about the high status of your combat and technical competence. I see the Air Force and Special Forces are ready to accomplish missions," the president told forces.
Egypt and Turkey currently are at odds, especially after Egyptian President El-Sisi announced the full readiness of the Egyptian armed forces to fight to secure the country's western border with Libya, noting that illegal interference in the region contribute to the spread of terrorist militias, stressing that the Sirte and Al-Jafra cities constitute a red line for Egypt.
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