Attacks raise fears of Islamic State resurgence in Sinai
The recent death of five army troops in the Sinai Peninsula is giving rise to fears from a possible revival of the local Islamic State branch, given growing IS activities in other countries.
CAIRO — Local security analysts warn against a possible resurgence by the Islamic State (IS) in the Sinai Peninsula, in the wake of a string of attacks on army troops, Bedouins and tribal figures in the northeastern Egyptian territory.
Five army troops, including an officer, sergeant and three conscripts, were killed in the northern Sinai town of Baer al-Abd Jan. 25, when an explosive device, planted by IS operatives, went off, during an army combing operation in the town.
The incident came only hours after IS militants kidnapped six people from the town and fled, according to tribal sources.
Northern Sinai, the main hotspot of IS activities in Egypt, has been relatively calm for several weeks.
