Four "takfiris" were killed by the Egyptian Armed Forces in northern and central Sinai, the army said in a statement on Monday, as comprehensive Operation Sinai 2018 enters its second week. The term "takfiri" refers to Sunni Muslims who accuse other Muslims of being infidels, often as a justification for using violence against them. Military spokesman Tamer El-Rifai said that one non-commissioned officer and two soldiers were killed, while another two other officers were injured. Forces also arrested 417 wanted criminal elements and destroyed 27 vehicles, four hideouts and 224 weapons caches. Army engineers also uncovered and diffused 101 IEDs, which were planted to target security forces during operations, the army said. Law enforcement forces also released a number of suspects after ascertaining their non-involvement in any open investigation cases or violence. El-Rifai's statement is the 10th military communiqué on the sweeping counter-terrorism operation since it began on 9 February. Since the beginning of the operation, a total of 65 takfiris have been killed and hundreds of criminal suspects have been arrested, according to military statements. Land, sea and air forces have carried out security patrols to combat attempts to smuggle arms or infiltrate Egypt's southern and western borders, El-Rifai added. Forces involved in the operation have also located a number of farms used to grow illegal narcotics and seized large amounts of drugs and communication facilities, he said. Operation Sinai 2018 was launched on Friday, 9 February involving land, naval and air forces, as well as the police and border guards. The operation targets "terrorist and criminal elements and organizations" in northern and central Sinai, as well as parts of the Nile Delta and the Western Desert. Source: Ahram online
