Regional Leaders Condemn Attack on Egyptian Border Forces
Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, and the Arab League have expressed strong condemnation of a violent attack targeting Egyptian border guard forces in southern Egypt that resulted in the deaths of two military officers. The statements were released on Friday, November 6.
Saudi Arabia’s Stance
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced the attack, emphasizing its unwavering support for Egypt in its fight against security threats. The ministry conveyed condolences to the families of the fallen officers as well as the Egyptian government.
Qatar’s Position
Similarly, Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the incident, reiterating its opposition to all forms of violence, terrorism, and criminality, regardless of the underlying motivations.
Support from Jordan
Fouad Al-Majali, spokesperson for Jordan’s Foreign Ministry, extended support to Egypt and offered condolences to the families of the deceased officers, highlighting regional solidarity in the face of violence.
Arab League’s Response
The Arab League condemned the attack, affirming its backing of Egypt’s initiatives to uphold security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The organization recognized the stability of Egypt as a crucial pillar of Arab national security.
Details of the Incident
The condemnations surfaced following an announcement from Egyptian Military Spokesperson Colonel Ahmed Othman Ali on Thursday, November 5, revealing that two officers were killed during operations targeting illegal gold mining activities in the Eastern Desert.
Identification of the Officers
The deceased officers were identified as Colonel Ahmed Samir, Chief of Staff of the Southern Region Border Guard Forces, and Lieutenant Colonel Ahmed Gouda, Operations Chief of a border guard battalion within the Southern Military Region.
Military Campaign Overview
The fatalities occurred amidst a large-scale military operation against unauthorized gold extraction, which has been ongoing since June 14. The military spokesperson indicated that the first three phases of the operation, concluding on October 29, resulted in the apprehension of 691 individuals, comprising 151 Egyptians and 540 foreign nationals. Additionally, around 6,614 people voluntarily surrendered prior to the commencement of military actions.
Seizures and Upcoming Actions
During these operations, the Armed Forces reported the seizure of various weapons, ammunition, vehicles, and mining equipment. The fourth phase of the campaign is slated to commence on Saturday, November 7, with escalated border patrols aimed at curbing any resurgence of illegal mining activities.
Context of the Incident
This tragic incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Egyptian troops in their efforts against armed criminal factions involved in illegal activities within the Eastern Desert.
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