The Ansar Bayt Al Maqdis terrorist group testified to the success of the Egyptian military operations in Sinai by admitting they were stranded in the desert and seeking help from locals, Political Islam expert Monir Adib told Al Bawaba Egypt Wednesday. Jihadist blogs published pictures of houses belonging to Ansar Bayt Al Maqdis' leaders being excoriated, calling for IS to interfere and confront the Egyptian military strikes in Sinai, Adib said. Ansar Bayt Al Maqdis asked Sinai residents through social networks to join them in their war against the Egyptian Army, claiming that it wasn't applying Islamic law. "If you do not want to face the army, then do not help them against us, because we will not leave you. Sinai has now been declared a Caliphate State", a member of the group posted on Twitter. "If you are not able to bear arms, do not stand against us, and stay away from them", the post added, vowing to launch attacks against the Egyptian Army and Police to avenge the killing of its troops and leaders, Adib explained. Meanwhile, sources in Rafah, North Sinai, confirmed that disputes had emerged between Ansar Bayt Al Maqdis in the area of Sheikh Zuwaid in the last few days. The disputes followed the recent terminations of a large number of the group's leaders, leading to the absence of qualified members to head the organization.
