Military spokesman denies violations in N. Sinai

CAIRO, May 28 (MENA) - Military spokesman colonel Tamer el Refae has dismissed as groundless a report issued by an international organization working in the human rights field on violations during terror combat operations in North Sinai.

Refae said some politicized organizations seek to tarnish the image of Egypt and its army through fabricating such reports.

According to Refae, the Armed forces takes into consideration international standards regarding human rights on protecting civilians during the operations and then carrying out of airstrikes outside residential areas.

He said the establishment of a buffer zone on the border belt took place in line with cabinet resolution No. 1008 of 2015, adding those who were harmed by the decision were compensated and received housing units.

The spokesman asserted that the Armed Forces backed the development process in Sinai and supervised 312 projects in various domains to improve the living conditions and provide job opportunities for North Sinai residents.

He asserted that the Armed Forces Manged to destroy the infrastructure of terror groups, restore life to normal and provide security and social peace to North Sinai citizens.