Pentagon says 6 peacekeepers injured in Sinai explosions

WASHINGTON — The Defense Department says four US soldiers and two Multinational Force and Observers’ peacekeepers have been injured by improvised explosive devices in the Northeast Sinai region of Egypt.

“We are aware that four US and two Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) peacekeepers were injured today in two IED explosions in northeast Sinai,” Defense Department spokesman Captain Jeff Davis said in a statement.

The Pentagon says the soldiers were airlifted Thursday to a medical facility and are being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

“The MFO evacuated the soldiers by air to a medical facility where all are receiving treatment for non-life-threatening injuries. We wish all the wounded soldiers a speedy recovery,” Davis said.

He did not say whom officials believe to be responsible for the attacks, nor did the department identify the wounded personnel.

The mission of the Multinational Force and Observers is to support the 1979 peace treaty between Israel and Egypt.

“The safety and security of US forces remains our top priority and we are committed to taking necessary steps for their protection,” Davis said, adding that Washington remains committed to the role played by multinational troops and observers “supporting the treaty of peace between Israel and Egypt.”