Gunfire erupts near Israel-Egypt border
Armed cell spotted near Israel-Egypt border; clashes ensue between cell, Egyptian army; no injuries reported
Gunfire erupted in Egypt Sunday near the Israeli border, most probably as a result of clashes between the Egyptian army and an armed cell spotted in the vicinity of the Israel-Egypt border, in the northern area of Kadesh-Barnea.
An IDF outlook identified the cell moving in a car along the Egyptian side of the border. As a result of the clashes, the IDF has bolstered forces in the region. No injuries were reported on the Israeli side.
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The IDF has yet to rule out the possibility that the armed cell was trying to attack Israeli targets.
In wake of the turmoil in Sinai, IDF is planning the final stages of project Sandglass to fortify the border. The idea is to form a massive physical obstacle tens of meters high along Israel's maritime border with Egypt near Eilat.
The area is especially susceptive to attacks as it is mostly coral reef, bordering on one of Eilat's hotels. Regional battalion commanders fear the area will be used to enter Israel through water.
Currently, the naval border in the area is guarded by Israeli Navy cruisers and Border Patrol officers stationed nearby.
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