Egypt warns of terror threat in Sinai

Egyptian security forces in the Sinai peninsula went on high alert in response to warnings on Thursday that terror groups were planning an attack on tourists during the Eid al-Adha festival that begins this weekend.

Israel’s Channel 10, citing the Egyptian daily Asharq Al-Awsat, reported that security forces were working to verify information they received that jihadists in Sinai were planning an attack on tourists.

There is said to be mounting concern that terrorists would use government vehicles to launch an attack, possibly a car bombing. In recent weeks there have been a number of incidents in which terrorists stole police and security forces vehicles and authorities are worried that they will now be used in an attack.

Egyptian authorities stressed that police checkpoints would continue to operate during the Eid al-Adha festival that runs from Friday till Sunday. Soldiers and police forces received orders to be especially diligent at checkpoints and police stations in the peninsula, in particular when checking vehicles, the report said.

Two weeks ago forces in the Sinai went on high alert amid fears that Salafist terrorists would launch a revenge attack after Israel killed one of their leaders in a Gaza airstrike.