CAIRO: The first phase of the Right of the Martyr operation has been finalized in the northeastern part of North Sinai, including Sheikh Zuwayed, Rafah, and Arish, the military announced Tuesday evening.
The main phase of the operation was carried out in 16 days, killing 535 “terrorists,” arresting 634 wanted persons, dismantling 478 bombs, and destroying 613 “terrorist hubs,” 111 armed vehicles, 250 motorcycles and 38 explosive storehouses.
The second phase of the operation aims to provide a suitable environment for development projects in the area to be implemented by imposing “full security and alertness” to immediately deal with threats, and maintaining control over roads.
The military directed a thank you message to the residents of Sinai, saying that the operation proved the “unity” of the military Sinai locals with their “full cooperation.” The statement noted that Bedouins in the Sinai have borne the brunt of the security risks in the area, promising that health, food and social services will be provided to them.
The military said its personnel have been “very careful” to preserve lives of the locals of the Sinai by applying humanitarian and ethical standards to protect civilians. On Tuesday, Human Rights Watch said in a report that the military’s campaign harmed thousands of civilians by evicting families and razing farmland.