Six terrorists killed in security raids in 6 October city

CAIRO – 13 August 2018: On August 13, 6 terrorists were reported dead during security raids in 6 October city, Cairo.

According to an official statement issued by the Interior Ministry, the targeted terrorists were planning to participate in several terrorist operations to intimidate citizens, spread chaos, and negatively affect security and economic conditions of the country.

Most of the terrorist plans were set to come into force during Eid El-Adha. According to Mena news agency, the National Security Agency received a tip-off that a terrorist cell is taking shelter in an apartment in 6 October city to plan terrorist attacks.


Six terrorists killed in security raids in 6 October city – Press photo


Police raided the apartment and engaged in a shootout with the terrorists, killing six of them, according to the statement. Several weapons were seized during the operation including machine guns, a birdshot rifle and bullets.

Three of the terrorists were identified and the investigation is still ongoing to identify the rest of the terrorists.


Six terrorists killed in security raids in 6 October city – Press photo


On Sunday, Egypt’s national television announced that twelve terrorists were killed during the raids carried out by the Armed Forces in Arish, Northern Sinai.

Egypt’s national security sector was informed that a group of terrorists used a fenced land located at Malalha district of the Third Police Station, Al-Arish, as their hideouts. The terrorists were killed during an exchange of fire with the security forces, and four automatic rifles, a cartridge, ammunition, and two explosive devices were found in their possession.


Six terrorists killed in security raids in 6 October city – Press photo


Due to the security forces' efforts, a suicide attack was foiled on August 11, near the Church of Virgin Mary in Shubra al-Khaimah city in Greater Cairo.

According to a statement issued by the interior minister regarding the incident, the attacker was surrounding his waist with an explosive belt, trying to sneak into the church, where Copts were celebrating the birth of Virgin Mary. It was said that he retracted from blowing himself at the very last minute and went away reportedly due to the excessive presence of security forces in the area. Later, the belt exploded when he was atop the bridge of Mostorod. The suicide bomber was killed immediately, and no casualties were reported after the bombing.


Six terrorists killed in security raids in 6 October city – Press photo


Abdel Maseeh Basset, pastor of the Virgin Mary Church, said that the church witnessed an extensive security presence since January. Basset praised the Egyptian officers’ competence in press statements on Saturday, adding that the security forces intensified their patrols around the church to foil any possible attacks against Christian worshipers.

Police arrests suspect in Virgin Mary church foiled bombing

CAIRO - 13 August 2018: The Egyptian authorities arrested on Sunday a suspect allegedly involved in the failed bombing attack that took place near Virgin Mary church on Saturday during celebrating Virgin Mary's birthday in Mostorod, Cairo. A suicide attack near the church in Shubra al-Khaimah city, Cairo was thwarted due to tight the security measures set during Copts' religious celebrations.

Several proactive measures and procedures were launched by the security forces several months ago facing terrorist group’s threats especially with the approaching anniversary of the sit-in of Raba'a al-Adawiya on 14 August.

On July 25, 13 terrorists were killed by Egypt’s security forces in Masaid district, North Sinai's Arish.

Egypt’s security forces said in an official statement that they received information about a group of terrorists in one of the under construction houses in Masaid district; accordingly, the forces headed to the district and exchanged fire with the armed group.
It was added that the forces managed to seize four automatic rifles, two cartridge rifles, three explosive devices and a multi-shooting bar with 83 rounds.

On July 3, Egypt’s Air Forces killed three takfiri elements and arrested 59 criminals and suspects in North and Central Sinai, as part of the “Comprehensive Operation - Sinai 2018”, the army said in an official statement.

Also on July 11, security forces managed to eliminate 11 takfiri elements after fire exchange, while raiding a terrorist hideout in Al-Arish’s Omran district, according to security sources.


Six terrorists killed in security raids in 6 October city – Press photo


Following the raid, the security forces could seize three machine guns, a cartridge firearm and two explosive devices possessed by the takfiris, according to the sources.
Egypt has been struggling for years to contain terrorist activities in Sinai.
Many military operations have been carried out by army and police forces, killing hundreds of militants and building a buffer zone along the border with Gaza, so that the Egyptian authorities can curb the flow of militants and weapons infiltrating through underground tunnels.

Egypt’s President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi authorized the army chief of staff to use “all brute force” against terrorism.

In February, the Egyptian Armed Forces launched a full-scale military operation titled "Sinai 2018" to confront terrorist elements in Sinai and other areas across the country. Military spokesman Tamer el-Rafei announced a major military operation to purge the country from terrorism.



Six terrorists killed in security raids in 6 October city – Press photo