Egyptian military in Rafah
Photo: Reuters
Egypt extends state of emergency in northern Sinai
Due to increased Islamist activity, President Sisi announces continuation of curfews and restrictions in communities bordering Gaza, including crossing city of Rafah.
Egypt said on Saturday it had extended by three months a state of emergency imposed on parts of northern Sinai in October after Islamist militants stepped up attacks in the peninsula bordering Israel, Gaza and the Suez Canal.
Insurgents have killed hundreds of soldiers and policemen in Sinai since mid-2013, lashing out after then-army chief Abdel Fattah el-Sisi ousted Islamist President Mohamed Morsi following protests. Sisi went on to be elected president last year.
Egyptian guard tower near Rafah (Photo: EPA)
The decision, announced in a statement from the presidency, will be implemented in Rafah, al-Arish, Sheikh Zuweid and surrounding areas starting on Sunday. It also extends a night-time curfew in place in the same areas.
The measure was first introduced after 33 security personnel were killed in an attack in late October at a checkpoint in northern Sinai. It was extended for another three months in January.
The attack was claimed by Sinai Province, an affiliate of Islamic State, which earlier changed its name from Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis. The group, which aims to topple the government in Cairo, has mainly focused on targets in Sinai.
The destruction of tunnels into the Gaza Strip and the creation of a security buffer zone in northern Sinai last year has stoked resentment among residents, who say they rely on the smuggling trade through the tunnels and complain of neglect by the state.
