Insights

Four policemen killed in Islamic State attack in North Sinai

Islamic State have claimed responsibility for an attack on a patrolling police vehicle in North Sinai, which killed four policemen. The claim of responsibility was made through the terror groups AMAQ news agency earlier today. Egyptian authorities in Arish are currently hunting for the militants.

Those operating or residing in Egypt are advised to refrain from all travel in North and South Sinai governorates and to avoid travelling near to security and government forces, infrastructure and personnel. ISIS are known to have a stronghold in the Sinai Peninsula and frequently kidnap and murder people. Attacks on security forces have been frequent in the Sinai Peninsula since the army ousted the Muslim Brotherhood from power in 2013. Report any suspicious packages, behaviour or activity to the authorities and remain vigilant.

Although attacks generally take place in the Sinai Peninsula, they have occurred elsewhere in the country, including in major metropolitan areas. In early May 2017, Islamic State media threatened that places associated with Westerners, Christians, the Egyptian military or police and Egyptian government facilities could be struck at any time.

The Egyptian Government maintains a heavy security presence at major tourist sites in and around greater Cairo and Alexandria; at Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada, Marsa Alam and other beach resorts on the Red Sea and the Mediterranean coast; and at many of the major temples and archaeological sites located in and around the Nile Valley cities of Luxor and Aswan, including Abu Simbel.