Egypt’s military says it has now begun its largest military exercises to date as part of its “strategic training for 2014.”
In a press conference on Saturday, spokesperson of the Armed Forces, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Samir said the manoeuvres, dubbed Badr 2014, which started on 11 October would continue to 6 November, revealing that the troops taking part in the drills are double the numbers that took part in the latest wide-scale manoeuvre: Badr 96.
Samir maintained that the manoeuvre was decided after the Armed Forces became assured that police forces had restored their efficiency, and that the security situation in the country improved. He, however, stressed that the drills will not affect the military’s anti-terrorism operations.
Samir said the drills will train forces on strategic defense missions and securing vital state targets.
Egypt’s army has been leading operations targeting exacerbating terrorist cells in the Sinai Peninsula and other border areas that grow in presence since the ouster of former president Mohamed Morsy. Hundreds of army personnel have been killed since Morsy’s removal in 2013 in attacks claimed by Islamist militants.
Edited translation by Al-Masry Al-Youm
