CAIRO: Egypt on Thursday agreed to establish a number of checkpoints in and out of the northern Sinai town of al-Arish in an effort to maintain security in the city after a series of attacks left a number of people dead last month. Egyptian Minister of Interior, Mansour el-Essawi, agreed to implement the Sinai Revolutionaries Movement's request for fixed checkpoints on entrances and exits of the town of Arish in North Sinai. Essawi ordered the country's security to “firmly deal” with anyone who tries to disrupt Egypt's security and stability. “The orders were a result of terrorist crimes, such as murder, theft and violence in Arish,” said the movement's spokesman, Mohammad Hendi. In a quick response, the revolutionaries in Bir Al-Abed curbed illegal actions on agricultural land and prevented export of palm trees to Israel, especially after the ban of export to the Jewish state. Rising fears of Islamic militants in Sinai, and especially in and around al-Arish, has led to citizens in the area feeling threatened and worried over their safety. BM
