Violence returns to Sinai

06 August 2012

Armed gunmen kill at least 15 Egyptian policemen in bid to attack Israeli border crossing

Islamist militants killed more than 15 Egyptian policemen and stole two armoured vehicles in a bid to attack an Israeli border crossing on 5 August.

Israeli warplanes subsequently destroyed one of the vehicles, killing eight militants.

The incident was the worst case of violence seen in Egypt’s Sinai region for many years and represents the first major diplomatic and security test for the new government of Mohamed Mursi.

Tensions have returned to the Sinai region since the overthrow of Hosni Mubarak last year. Israel has accused Palestinian movement Hamas of exploiting the power vacuum in the ensuing period to encourage militant activities in the border region between Israel, Egypt and the Gaza Strip.

Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak has raised the spectre of Palestinian involvement in the foiled attack.

Hamas, which governs the Gaza Strip, said it would immediately close tunnels located along the border with Egypt.

Addressing the nation on state television, Mursi promised swift action to identify the assailants and track down those involved.

“Clear orders have been given to our armed forces and police to chase and arrest those who carried out this assault on our children,” Mursi said. “The forces will impose full control over these areas of Sinai.”

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