Telecommunications and electricity in North Sinai, particularly in Sheikh Zuweid and Rafah, remain poor, a resident living in Sheikh Zuweid told Daily News Egypt. Communication networks in North Sinai have been worsening as the insurgency rose in the area. The Sheikh Zuweid resident added that it is usually difficult to reach anyone living in these areas during exchange of fire, army raids and attacks. Due to the dire living conditions amidst clashes between security personnel and North Sinai militants, several Sheikh Zuweid residents have relocated from the area to flee the clashes that took place on 1 July. ‘State of Sinai' militants launched a highly coordinated attack on several checkpoints simultaneously leaving 17 army personnel killed and 13 others injured. Following the attack, army spokesman Mohamed Samir announced on separate occasions the army's full control over North Sinai. Samir's comments came despite the ongoing insurgency particularly in Sheikh Zuweid, East Al-Arish and Rafah. North Sinai journalist Ahmed Abu Deraa, who lives in Al-Arish, said that telecommunications are cut for between three to nine hours "on a daily basis" in North Sinai. Abu Deraa added that residents have been told that telecommunications cuts are for security procedures. He previously told Daily News Egypt that the relocation expenses on residents are high. Security forces in North Sinai have been engaged in a war against terrorism since the ouster of former president Mohamed Morsi in July 2013, with the aim of eradicating all "terrorists" from the restive peninsula. Accordingly, security measures have been undertaken to counter terrorism, which includes the relocation of residents residing 5km along the border with the Gaza strip with the aim of creating a buffer zone. A state of emergency has been in place in certain areas since 25 October, following an attack that left at least 30 security personnel dead in a checkpoint in Sheikh Zuweid known as Qarm Al-Qawadis. However, North Sinai militants known as "State of Sinai" have conducted several operations during curfew hours, notably on 19 January, which targeted a number of checkpoints, Battalion 101 and security facilities in Al-Arish, Rafah and Sheikh Zuweid. In July alone, over 300 militants were killed during armed forces operations targeting militant hideouts in North Sinai, according to separate statements by military spokesman. END Keywords: Daily News Egypt, DNE, North Sinai, Armed Forces, telecommunications, Arish, Rafah, Sheikh Zuweid.
