Sinai kidnappings alert heightened

Counter-Terrorism Bureau increased warning level regarding trips to Sinai, stating, ‘Threat of kidnappings of Israelis visiting Sinai has increased in past few days.’ Warnings based on intelligence information pertaining to activity of groups linked to global al-Qaeda

Ronny Sofer
Latest Update: 12.06.05, 20:27 / Israel News

The Prime Minister's Office Counter-Terrorism Bureau has increased its warning level for trips to Sinai, stating, “The threat of kidnappings of Israelis visiting Sinai has increased in the past few days.”

Based on recently-obtained intelligence information, the Bureau highly recommends that Israelis refrain from visiting the peninsula, suggesting that those who are already there leave immediately.

Global Threat

Israelis warned of abductions abroad / Ronny Sofer

Israelis stand high risk of abductions overseas, Counter Terrorism Bureau states in report, warns Israeli citizens of visiting Arab states; warns business people from accepting 'tempting' or unexpected business opportunities overseas, as well as unpredictable gifts or invitations to free vacations from unfamiliar or suspicious elements

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Three months ago, ahead of the Jewish holiday season, a severe travel warning regarding Sinai was issued, causing many vacation spots in the area to remain deserted.

'Quality operation'

The warnings are based on information on the activity of groups linked to global al-Qaeda.

Security establishment and IDF intelligence officials have recently reported that al-Qaeda operatives have set up a base in Sinai, adding that the Egyptian army is finding it difficult to operate in the area.

Meanwhile, the hunt for the terrorists who carried out the attacks in the peninsula continues, but Israeli security officials have decided not to take any chances and heighten the travel warnings once again.

About two weeks ago, warnings regarding possible attempts to kidnap Israelis all over the world were issued, following Hizbullah’s failed attempt to abduct IDF troops near the Lebanese border, leading the Israeli intelligence community to believe the terror group would change its strategy and try to kidnap Israeli abroad and use them as bargaining chips in future prisoner exchange deals.

"The abduction of Israelis was always considered a 'quality operation' among terror groups, which may bring to the release of prisoners and coerce Israel to negotiate large-scale deals to discharge terrorists," a source at the bureau explained at the time.

First Published: 12.06.05, 20:07

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