Israel says Egypt shifting policy towards terror groups in Sinai

JERUSALEM, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Defense Ministry's Diplomatic-Security Bureau chief Maj.-Gen. Amos Gilad on Wednesday said that Egypt's policy toward the threat of flourishing terror organizations in the Sinai Peninsula is turning after Sunday's attack.

Gilad told Israel Radio that he believes that Egypt is now trying to restore control in the area after 16 Egyptian guards were killed by militants on Sunday.

Moreover, Gilad pointed out that he is sure Egyptian authorities are doing everything within their power to combat terrorism and that Egypt doesn't need to coordinate with Israel for such matters.

"Terrorism is aiming to change the world order, to harm the Egyptian regime and alter the face of the Middle East," Gilad said, "and the Egyptians have no problem understanding what's going on."

On Wednesday the Egyptian army launched one of the biggest operations ever done in Sinai, in order to strike a blow to militant infrastructures in the area, killing at least 20 alleged terrorists.

Sinai, a vast region that flanks both Israel and Gaza, has grown increasingly lawless since the ouster of Egypt's leader Hosni Mubarak early last year, with a host of militant groups said to be inspired by al-Qaida and Global Jihad exploiting the Egyptian military's dwindling presence to gain footing in the area. Enditem

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)