Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has visited the western military zone HQ on the Egyptian-Libyan border, according to a statement issue by military spokesperson Mohamed Samir. He met with military forces and also tribal leaders to stress the importance of fighting "terrorist groups." Defence Minister Sedki Sobhy accompanied al-Sisi on his visit early Wednesday. They highlighted the importance of tribes living near the border as they have been helping authorities in their fight against "outlawed groups." Egyptian authorities have stepped up security measures on the western and south-western borders to prevent infiltration by militants who wish to retaliate after Monday's air strikes in Libya. Tight security on the Egyptian-Libyan borders came after the Egyptian army, in coordination with the Libyan army, carried out air strikes against Islamic State targets in Libya. The attacks followed the release on Sunday of a graphic video showing IS militants beheading Egyptian Coptic Christians they had previously kidnapped. Meanwhile, al-Sisi discussed with military forces information and maps concerning places in which IS leaders could allegedly be hiding and storing their ammunition. Egypt is currently battling domestic and international militant groups. It is combating Ansar Beit Al-Maqdis in North Sinai. In late 2014, the group swore allegiance to Islamic State (IS), which first made its appearance in Syria and now controls large swathes of both Syria and Iraq. Source: Ahram Online
