Egyptian army says destroyed 102 Gaza tunnels
Spokesperson claims some in Gaza 'taking advantage' of tunnels for drugs, munitions transfers; presents data regarding army's terrorist cleansing operation in Sinai, claims army killed 60, arrested 103
Col. Ahmed Mohammed Ali released the figures Wednesday on his official Facebook page. He did not name any of suspects killed or detained.
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The Facebook post said that authorities also destroyed 102 smuggling tunnels to the Palestinian Gaza Strip during this time. "During the last years, some of the forces active in the Gaza Strip have been persistent in taking advantage of the tunnels for smuggling in terrorists, arms and munitions, drugs, cars and more," Col. Ali wrote.
He also nothed that the army destroyed some 40 storage facilities for fuel which was intended for transfer into Gaza, estimated at 2.7 million liters of diesel and petrol.
During the previous month's operation, 4 structures housing terrorist activity and serving as a hideout for terrorists were also destroyed.
Some 38 cars were also confiscated by the army for allegedly being instrumental in targeting police and army positions, as well as transferring munitions and explosive materials.
The military's figures, which are confined to the period between July 5 and August 4 could not be independently verified.
More than 20 policemen and soldiers have been killed in near daily clashes in Sinai since President Mohammed Morsi's ouster July 3. About a dozen civilians have also been killed in violence there.
Emboldened terrorists have increased the frequency of their attacks on the army in the peninsula to exploit the political turmoil.
Tensions between Egypt and Gaza's Hamas rulers have been tense since the army has deposed of Morsi, who is currently detained for cooperating with Hamas in a massive prison breakout of Muslim Brotherhood inmates.
The Associated Press also contributed to this report
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