Special forces troops from the military and police were dispatched to North Sinai on Thursday in an attempt to combat insurgents who have taken control of some parts of the governorate, according to a security source.
The move to regain control of North Sinai has been named Operation Eagle and involves the deployment of two special forces brigades, one from the police and one from the military. The two brigades amount to 1000 personnel, although the number may be increased if necessary. The troops will be supported with 250 armored vehicles in addition to military aircraft.
The troops are expected to start by cracking down on all organized crime in Arish, and will then head to Rafah and Sheikh Zuwaid, where they expect to face fierce resistance due to the large numbers of armed criminals and insurgents.
The source said the third phase of the operation will be carried out in central Sinai, during which military aircraft will be used due its mountainous terrain, especially in the Mount Halal area, a hideout for a large number of outlaws.
The source went on to say that the names of the Egyptian and Palestinian perpetrators responsible for the attacks on the Arish police station on 29 July and the Egyptian natural gas pipeline have been established.
The source added that the investigation now revolves around 20 main suspects, including key members of the organization responsible for the attack on the natural gas pipeline and in Arish City.
The source noted that investigations and inquiries were ongoing in order to uncover all of those involved in the Sinai unrest.
Translated from the Arabic Edition
