Sisi Directs Army to Stay Ready to Protect Egypt's National Security

Hours ago, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi directed commanders of Egyptian army to stay ready and get prepared to protect Egypt's national security, according to a statement by the Presidential Spokesman Bassam Rady.

Rady explained that the president gave the instructions during a meeting on Monday with Minister of Defence and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Mohamed Zaki, the head of the Armed Forces Operations Authority, the head of the Armed Forces Engineering Authority, and the commander of the Central Military Region.

According to the presidential statement, El-Sisi was briefed during the meeting on Egypt’s security conditions and the efforts of the Armed Forces to control the borders and to pursue terrorist personnel, especially in North Sinai and the western region.

Sisi Acknowledges Army Sacrifices

"The president expressed his appreciation of the efforts of the Armed Forces and the paid tributes to the sacrifices they make for the country," Rady added.

Egypt is fighting an Islamist insurgency based in the northern part of the Sinai Peninsula that has gained pace since 2013. Hundreds of security forces have been killed in attacks claimed by militants, while the military has killed hundreds of extremists as part of an extensive campaign.

Days ago, the Egyptian armed forces announced that it had killed 7 takfiri personnel in North Sinai governorate in an operation against terrorist hideouts.

According to a statement, the operation took place during a raid on a terrorist hideout located on a farm, where seven takfiri people were killed during their attempt to escape. A 4x4 vehicle and 3 motorcycles without license plates were found at the site. The forces also found 10 IEDs, which were subject to controlled demolition, and four suicide vests.

On another hand, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper reportedly is considering ending America’s 40-year  peacekeeping presence in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula. However, analysts believe that If the U.S. leaves the Sinai, it could empower Islamists to step up attacks not only there but in the Egyptian heartland.