/ 26 May 2016

Egyptian military kills 85 militants in Sinai

The 2006 forensic report prepared for Zuma's trial that never saw the light of day ... now made available in the public interest.
The outcome of the ANC’s long-awaited KwaZulu-Natal conference was a win for the Thuma Mina crowd. (Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)

KAMAPALA, May 26 (ANA) – The Egyptian military killed 85 alleged militants in the restive Sinai Peninsula on Wednesday, as part of an ongoing military operation codenamed “Martyr’s Right”.

“The second and third armies are participating in the operation to launch major military operations in Sinai,” a statement released by the Egyptian army read.

“The firepower of naval and infantry forces resulted in the destruction of 50 houses and 10 cars, as well as the arrest of three suspects,” reported Egypt’s Daily News.

However, despite the ongoing military operations the News attacks against civilians were still taking place.

“On May 18, a leading tribal figure, Abdel Hamid Saad, 45, from El-Fawkhriya tribe was reportedly assassinated in front of his home by masked militants in Al-Arish city in North Sinai governorate,” reported the Daily News.

Sinai’s military assault follows the Egyptian parliament approving on Tuesday the extension of the state of emergency in North Sinai for an additional three months, one day after a delegation of parliament members met with Minister of Defence Sedki Sobhi.

North Sinai has been under a state of emergency since the term of interim President Adly Mansour, who came into office following Morsi. The state of emergency was last extended in January 2016.

– African News Agency (ANA)

Disclaimer: This story is pulled directly from the African News Agency wire, and has not been edited by Mail & Guardian staff. The M&G does not accept responsibility for errors in any statement, quote or extract that may be contained therein.