In 2015, the Egyptian armed forces fought hard and fiercely against terrorism in Northern Sinai governorate, in which the Islamic State (IS) loyalist terrorist group Wilayat Sinai seeks to follow in IS' footsteps and establish a stronghold, after IS dominated large parts in Syria, Iraq and bordering Libya. Wilayat Sinai sought to commit various kinds of acts of sabotage and terrorist operations in the governorate during the period from January to September 2015, leaving several dead and wounded. Total terrorist operations in Northern Sinai governorate The total of terrorist attacks that have occurred in the governorate amounted to 448 attacks, including 155 bomb attacks and improvised explosive devices (IED), 137 armed attacks and shootings at the troops, as well as 74 mortar shells and RPGs attacks. At least 38 slaughter, sniper attacks and targeting of individuals have occurred in the governorate, in addition to 24 Molotov attacks, 12 car bombs and motorcycles attacks. Moreover, 10 armed ambushes, nine Katyusha rocket attacks and three attacks on the armed forces by use of 14.5 inch rifle have took place in the governorate. Total number of martyrs of the armed forces, police and judges The total number of armed forces and police martyrs amounted to 171 martyrs and 405 others wounded, while three martyrs were from judges and another judge was wounded. Also, six from the peacekeeping forces were wounded, whereas 132 people from the residents of Sinai were slaughtered and 253 others were wounded at the hands of terrorists. Meanwhile, 37 civilians were kidnapped by terrorists. Armed forces' efforts to eradicate terrorism in Sinai Armed forces detained 1003 wanted for terror related crimes, killed 848 terrorists destroyed 731 motorcycles used by terrorists in attacks targeting the army and police. The armed forces also destroyed 629 terrorists' hideouts and weapons storage, 361 vehicles belonging to terrorists and 121 tunnels used by terrorists. Furthermore, the armed forces succeeded in defusing 233 IEDs. Results of martyr's right army operation in Sinai The armed forces have launched a military operation called: "martyr's right," which aimed to eliminate terrorism form Sinai and secure it. This operation was divided into two phases, "martyr's right" and "martyr's right 2". During martyr's right operation, the army killed 535 terrorists and detained 412 others. The armed forces destroyed 2013 petroleum storage and six tunnels used by terrorists, 1014 terrorists' hideouts, 38 SUVs and 265 motorcycles belonging to terrorists. Additionally, the armed forces destroyed 30 explosives storage and succeeded in defusing 480 IEDs. Results of martyr's right 2 operation in Sinai In October 2015, the army launched the second phase of martyr's right operation, called: "martyr's right 2," with the aim of continuing the crackdown against terrorism in Sinai and securing it. The armed forces killed 97 terrorists and detained 144 others. The army destroyed 14 tunnels used by terrorists, 10 vehicles and 26 motorcycles belonging to terrorists, as well as 42 terrorists' hideouts and succeeded in defusing 59 IEDs. While, a conscript was killed and three others were wounded. Swiss Inn hotel bombings in Arish On November 4, 2015, terrorists blew up the police club in the city of Arish, leaving six dead and 10 others wounded. Also, On November 24, 2015, terrorists blew up a room in Swiss Inn hotel in Arish, in which a number of judges were staying in and were protected by members of the police. The attack left seven dead, including two judges, four policemen and a civilian, as well as 10 others wounded. Additionally, terrorists killed three members of the armed forces and wounded two others. On the other hand, the army killed 14 terrorists and detained 32 others, as well as succeeded in defusing 50 IEDs. The armed forces also destroyed 27 terrorists' hideouts, one motorcycle and three vehicles belonging to terrorists, during that month. Fruits of army's war on terrorism in Sinai There is no doubt that the army's war on terrorism in Sinai is far from over, as the terrorist attacks which occurred during the year are a living proof of that, but as statistics show, the Egyptian army is winning the fight against terrorism. Having said that, this does not mean that terrorists are giving up, as they continue to develop new ways and techniques to demoralize not only the army, but also the Egyptian people. However, both the army and people refuse to lay down and submit to terrorism. This is seen in the determination of the people to continue to show their willingness to engage in shaping the future of the country by practicing their constitutional right and voting in the recently held parliamentary elections, which is the last step in the country's road map of June 30, 2013 revolution towards democracy. This reflects the perseverance of the people to defy terrorism and stand side by side with the state, as well as the army in the fight to eradicate terrorism from Sinai, which was won by the blood of patriots in 1973 Arab–Israeli War.
