Egyptian helicopters strike Islamists in northern Sinai
Military reportedly foils plot to attack shipping in Suez Canal, beefs up protection along international waterway
EL-ARISH, Egypt — An Egyptian army official said Friday that the military has stepped up its offensive in northern Sinai after a pause following two stunning suicide car bombings in the strategic peninsula this week.
The official said helicopter gunships targeted suspected Islamic militant hideouts in a dozen villages south of the town of Sheikh Zuweyid and farmlands near the city of el-Arish at sunrise Friday.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.
A witness who lives nearby says smoke billowed in the sky after loud explosions rocked the area. He spoke of condition of anonymity fearing for his safety.
According to an Israel Radio report, Egyptian military forces on Friday morning uncovered a plot by an al-Qaeda affiliate operating in the Sinai, Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis, to launch rocket-propelled grenades at shipping in the traversing the Suez Canal. The army reportedly increased its troop presence along the international waterway in response.
Meanwhile, a militant group called Jund al-Islam claimed responsibility for Wednesday’s suicide attacks that targeted a military intelligence headquarters and a checkpoint, killing six troops.