The Egyptian army and police in North and Central Sinai have killed 27 “takfiris” and arrested 114 suspects, 21 of which had criminal records, during the past few days. A seven-minute video-statement issued Saturday by the Egyptian army is the 19th communiqué since the launch of Operation Sinai 2018 in early February. The Arabic word "takfiri" refers to extremist Sunni Muslims who accuse other Muslims of being infidels, often as a justification for using violence against them. The Egyptian military described 15 among the dead as “extremely dangerous,” six having died in strikes by the Egyptian Air Forces. The rest of the 12 were killed during clashes with police personnel. The statement highlighted that ammunition and arms were found inside their hideouts. Security forces confiscated and destroyed over 15 vehicles and 43 motorcycles. The military statement added that 150 hideouts filled with weaponry, ammunition and military uniforms were destroyed. Over the past few days, army engineers have safely detonated 30 IEDs that had been planted by takfiris to target security forces. The raids also led to the discovery and destruction of 20 marijuana and poppy farms used for drug production in Central Sinai, as well as a number of underground border tunnels in North Sinai's Rafah city. The navy seized a suspect ship in the Red Sea that was carrying 1,350kg of heroin. The Egyptian army has stressed that border security forces organised more than 585 patrols on highways and desert roads in the past few days. Operation Sinai 2018 was launched “to implement the plan of comprehensive confrontation of terrorist and criminal elements and organisations in North and Central Sinai, and in other areas in the Nile Delta and desert areas west of the Nile Valley,” according to the Egyptian Armed Forces.
