The international press is reporting on the large-scale military operation in the Sinai that the Egyptian army has been carrying out since Friday to eliminate terrorism, calling it the largest military operation ahead of presidential elections, set for March. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi deployed the largest army in Africa fighting jihadists in North Sinai and the Delta, and launched the largest anti-terrorism operation in Egypt a month and a half before he most likely will be re-elected to a second term in office, The Times newspaper reported. A number of international newspapers see the timing of the military operation, which coincides with the upcoming electoral process, as having clear implications. The Australian television network ABC said that the election of President Sisi in 2014 came on promises to restore security and fight terrorism. The website stressed that Egypt will need to use various strategies and tactics if it hopes to achieve success in these areas.

Source: Egypt Independent February 11, 2018 11:17 UTC