On Friday, Egypt was overshadowed by a state of sadness following the violent and abrupt attack that targeted an army checkpoint in North Sinai and left 12 army conscripts dead and six others injured. The attack, conducted by militant group “Sinai Province”, targeted Zagdan army checkpoint located south of the Bir El-Abd, Al-Arish city. Army operations against IS-affiliated militants have been ongoing for nearly three years: the militants attack army and security personnel, and so the army responds and so it continues back and forth. Over the past six months, the army’s violent confrontations with “Sinai Province” militants have become more frequent. In January 2015, the president formed the joint military command following deadly attacks in North Sinai that left at least 30 security personnel and civilians dead.

Source: Daily News Egypt October 15, 2016 16:30 UTC