EL-ARISH, Egypt — The terrorist attacks that took place in the Sinai Peninsula on Jan. 29 have revealed the size of the difficulties faced by the army in confronting the terrorist “Wilayat Sinai” organization. Despite this, the Egyptian government continues to praise the great achievements made in eradicating this organization.
These organized and qualitative attacks targeted 10 military headquarters and bases in three different cities at the same time, including the largest headquarters of the army in Sinai, known as Battalion 101, in el-Arish. The attacks left more than 35 military personnel dead and 70 others wounded. This led to a trust crisis and raised the ire of the Egyptian people; meanwhile, military commanders made speeches confirming their control of Sinai and progress toward the eradication of terrorism.