Three Egyptian soldiers killed in Sinai campaign
Egypt said on 19 February that three of its soldiers had been killed in the Sinai Peninsula during a wide-ranging operation against the local branch of the Islamic State (IS) group.
Four ‘extremists’ were also killed, the military said in a statement.
It was the first military death toll announced since the army started its campaign on 9 February.
It says it has killed about 60 jihadists and arrested hundreds of suspects since the operation began.
It launched the offensive after Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi gave his army commander a three month deadline in November 2017 to quash a jihadist insurgency which has killed hundreds of soldiers and policemen.
The ultimatum came after suspected IS gunmen massacred more than 300 worshippers at a mosque in northern Sinai the same month.
The group has also targeted Christians, killing more than 100 in suicide bombings and attacks since December 2016.
On 15 February, IS used its al-Nabaa propaganda newsletter to threaten further attacks on Christians and tourists in Egypt.
The group had claimed responsibility for a 2015 Russian airliner bombing that killed all 224 people on board after the plane took off from a southern Sinai resort.
Egypt is holding a presidential election in March 2018, which Sisi is expected to easily win. IS has also threatened attacks on election-related installations.
More from Defence Notes
-
![RUSI deputy: UK needs longer procurement plans and improved awareness of US sift to Indo-Pacific]()
RUSI deputy: UK needs longer procurement plans and improved awareness of US sift to Indo-Pacific
The UK budget announced in Parliament on 30 October was the first by a Labour government in 14 years which has also launched a review into defence procurement programmes.
-
![Australia outlines longer punch and brings local industry onboard]()
Australia outlines longer punch and brings local industry onboard
The Australian government has placed a focus on Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) which has included the purchase of additional long-range rocket systems and investments in local production of missiles.
-
![UK boosts defence budget by 5.3%, but is this enough?]()
UK boosts defence budget by 5.3%, but is this enough?
The UK budget announced in Parliament on 30 October is the first by a Labour government in 14 years. While it sees a boost in defence spending, this comes in the face of fiscal challenges and the effects of inflation.
-
![UK makes big moves to fix “broken” defence procurement system ahead of major review]()
UK makes big moves to fix “broken” defence procurement system ahead of major review
The changes are intended to meet greater need and deliver more value for money.
-
![US companies invest in production capabilities to satisfy DoD’s hunger for cutting-edge capabilities]()
US companies invest in production capabilities to satisfy DoD’s hunger for cutting-edge capabilities
BAE Systems, Booz Allen Hamilton and Lockheed Martin have been betting on new facilities and innovative manufacturing technologies to speed up the development of new solutions.
-
![Just Released: Military Training Technology Report October 2024 now available to read]()
Just Released: Military Training Technology Report October 2024 now available to read
How the latest portable simulation solutions can deliver JTAC training wherever it is needed
