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Sisi transfers control of northern Sinai port to army for security reasons

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi issued a decision to transfer control of el-Arish port in northern Sinai to the armed forces, a move critics say tightens the army’s grip on the country’s institutions.

Workers unload supplies from the Libyan-chartered ship Amalthea, which was carrying aid for Palestinians in Gaza, in El Arish port, 344 km (214 miles) northeast of Cairo July 15, 2010. The ship reached the Egyptian port on Wednesday after altering its course following a warning from Israel's navy not to head to the blockaded Gaza Strip. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El-Ghany (EGYPT - Tags: CIVIL UNREST POLITICS) - GM1E67G042101
Workers unload supplies from a ship at el-Arish port, Egypt, July 15, 2010. — REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El-Ghany

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi issued a decree July 16 to transfer control over the Port of el-Arish and its surrounding buildings, facilities and land in the northern Sinai Peninsula to the armed forces.

Political analysts and economists said the move is mainly aimed at tightening security measures in this area, which has been witnessing terrorist attacks for years, as well as for carrying out developmental projects to serve the area’s residents.

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