Islamic State leader in Sinai surrenders to Egyptian authorities
The surrender of Abu Hamza al-Qadi to an Egyptian tribal union linked to the government could be a major blow to the terrorist organization.
CAIRO — A high-profile Islamic State commander in Sinai has given himself up to a tribal union loyal to the Egyptian military, exposing possible cracks within the organization and potentially putting valuable information at the disposal of Cairo.
Mohamed Saad Kamel, also known as Abu Hamza al-Qadi, turned himself in to the Association of Sinai Tribes on Sept. 10 after contacting association leaders. He got pledges from the association for his safety and that of his wife and three children.
Qadi is the highest-ranking IS Sinai commander to turn himself in to the authorities to date, suggesting the noose is tightening around the terrorist organization in the Egyptian territory, which shares borders with Israel and the Gaza Strip.
"There is close coordination between the army and Sinai tribes," Sinai tribal leader Sami Kamel told Al-Monitor. "This advances the crackdown on the terrorist organization noticeably."
