Third Field Army Commander Staff Bregadier General Osama Askar said the highest security measures have been taken to secure the Suez Canal.
On the eve of celebrations of the 40th anniversary of 6 October war victory, Askar was referring to the clearing of 30 to 40 miles near from the canal’s navigational route in order to form uncovered desert or agricultural outback to guarantee highest security.
Security procedures also included the area until al-Helwa Canal through the military ambushes, Askar told the military reporters.
Askar said that around the area spanning three to four kilometers east of the canal is owned by the Suez Canal Authority, which will be used for extensions in the future in accordance with the presidential decision to allocate land for the canal on the eastern side.
Regarding the western side of the canal area, Askar said, “there are many residential areas. Most of them are within the second field army area, especially in Eastern and Western Qantara as well as small and big lakes.”
He also mentioned establishing concrete walls and watching towers within security measures.
Askar added that the third field army secures five ports, 10 oil companies and 40 plants. He said that Suez has special function as many petroleum establishments are found there.
The third field army, according to Askar, secures the borders, then the local front in collaboration with security departments in Suez, north and south of Sinai and Red Sea. It also secures the Suez Canal, Ahmed Hamdy tunnel and all economic and tourist destinations.
The third field army carries out several service and development projects. It established the Suez Military Hospital, center for treatment of tumors and cooperatives.
In response to question over relations between military and Bedouins, Askar said, “military, Bedouins of Suez and Sinai are one thing. Our relationship is based on respect and social dialogue.”
He referred to cooperation with tribesmen of al-Ganayen district in Suez to secure the canal and that they are ready to move to alternate houses instead of the ones near from the canal.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
