The official spokesperson of Egypt’s army released three statements on updates of the large-scale military operation in the Sinai peninsula, Western Desert and Delta region aiming to suppress Islamic State militant activity there. Dubbed “Comprehensive Operation Sinai 2018,” the operation was conducted with the participation of various branches of the Egyptian Armed Forces, including the Third and Second Field Armies located in the Sinai. “The number of forces that are participating in the ‘Comprehensive Operation Sinai 2018’ reached 35,000 armymen with the support of Egypt’s Special Forces and police. The attack prompted the army to prepare for a wide-ranging operation aiming to eliminate the presence of the Islamic State in Egypt, regardless of the consequences. The group has launched several violent attacks against army and police checkpoints in North Sinai cities.

Source: Egypt Independent February 10, 2018 12:22 UTC