Egypt: Military operations start in al-Arish

Egypt: Military operations start in al-Arish
The Egyptian army is continuing operations in the Sinai to rid the peninsula of armed groups.
2 min read
19 November, 2014
Sisi has ordered the evacuation of cities in the north Sinai [Anadolu]
The Egyptian army has carried out extensive "cleansing operations" around the city of al-Arish [Ar] on the Sinai peninsula, according to Egyptian security forces.

Authorities are trying to stop armed "takfiri" groups - who accuse Muslims with differing interpretations of Islam of being apostates - being harboured in the city.

The focus is reportedly on members of these groups who escaped recent military action in the cities of Sheikh Zuwaid and Rafah, close to the border with Gaza. 

"Al-Arish is included in places covered by the state of emergency announced by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on 24 October," said a military source, who aske dto remain anonymous. "The city is under curfew from 5pm to 7am. The army is now responsible for the city."

Last week, Egypt's armed forces announced the buffer zone on Egypt's border with Gaza would be extended from 500 to 1000 metres. The army has forced those living in the area to move south of Sheikh Zuwaid city, the sources added.

     The emergency law allows the president to seize land and property, and to evacuate and reorganise entire areas.
There are two stages to the buffer zone extension plan, sources report. The first stage involves evacuating and destroying all homes and tunnels in an area of approximately 1,500 sqm.

The second involves temporarily evacuating all cities and towns on the north-east Mediterranean coast - including al-Arish - until the situation in Sinai is "under control".

The emergency law allows the president to seize land and property, and to evacuate and reorganise entire areas. Residents will be compensated and anyone refusing to leave will have their land and property seized.

This article is an edited translation from our Arabic edition.