Egypt's retaliation strikes against jihadists in Libya

CAIRO – 27 May 2017: Egypt has been involved in a ferocious war against terrorism for years, pursuing an intensive campaign against terrorist groups in North Sinai and securing its borders to block any terrorist invaders from infiltrating into the country.

And when it comes to it, the Egyptian armed forces has proven substantial strength and faultless sight in targeting and destroying whoever threatens the security of the Egyptian land or its people across borders.

First strike in Libya:

In 2015, Egypt launched its first swift revenge against jihadists taking refuge in its western neighbor, after masked militants, affiliated with the Islamic State (IS) killed 21 Egyptian Christian workers in Libya.

The 21 decapitations, broadcasted in a graphic propaganda video, pushed President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi into action, to retaliate for the Egyptian souls by intervening in Libya for the first time, since the chaos that followed the 2011 uprisings.

By dawn of February 17, 2015, Egypt's air forces killed at least 64 IS fighters, in a huge strike that targeted militant camps, training sites and weapons storage areas in the coastal cities of Derna and Sirte.

"And let those near and far know that the Egyptians have a shield that protects and preserves the security of the country, and a sword that eradicates terrorism," the Egyptian military said in a statement after the attack.



Targeting Minya attackers in Derna:

Hours after a massacre of 29 Coptic Christian in Minya on Friday, Egypt once again launched a successful air raid on a terrorist training camp in Libya, which allegedly harbored the terrorist elements who carried the attack on Egypt.

Egypt's air forces held six intensive airstrikes on the main center of the Shura Council for Mujahedin of Derna, eastern Libya, on Friday evening, using modern Rafale air fighters and working in cooperation with the general command of the Libyan armed forces.

"Egypt will not hesitate in striking any camps that harbor or train terrorist elements whether inside or outside Egypt," Sisi spoke to the mourning Egyptians after the terrorist attack, announcing that a strike was already being launched targeting a camp involved in planning and executing the attack.


“The intensive airstrikes were launched against terrorists gatherings inside the Libyan territories after it had been confirmed that they (the terrorists) participated in committing and carrying out the brutal terrorist attack, which took place today (Friday) in Minya governorate,” according to the army’s statement in the video.

The Egyptian air forces are still resuming military air strikes in Libya for the second day, said Egypt’s state-owned TV on Saturday.