AL-ARISH, Egypt: An Egyptian policeman was killed and two others injured as a result of gunfire exchanged with masked gunmen in al-Arish, North Sinai. A gunman may be injured as well. The gunmen were in a truck and motorcycle. They shot at a police force consisting of about eight policemen and soldiers. The police were guarding a bank branch in Arish. “The shooting was thick and random. The gunmen ran away very quickly,” said a source. “The bullets damaged the motorbike but the gunman jumped into the truck while escaping,” the source added. The source said it is likely the attack was made by Bedouins as a response for crackdowns by the governor for the past two weeks. The crackdowns led to the arrest of more than 50 wanted criminals that had escaped during Egypt's January 25 Revolution. In related news, Prime Minister Essam Sharaf visited North Sinai governorate a few weeks ago and met the tribal leaders. He promised to discuss their demands. The Bedouins said the government did not commit to their promises. The government said it has begun carrying out their demands. The Bedouins said they have been banned from working in the petroleum and tourism sectors under the Mubarak regime. They are banned to apply for the police academy as well. The Mubarak government tried to improve the security in North Sinai and released some prisoners. However, more bloody clashes took place between the police and the Bedouins in North Sinai during protests against Mubarak.
