Special to WorldTribune.com

CAIRO — Egypt has heightened security measures for U.S. Navy ships
in the Suez Canal.

Officials said the Egyptian military and security forces intensified
measures to protect U.S. warships in the canal.

The officials said the measures were imposed amid threats by Al Qaida-aligned and Muslim Brotherhood fighters around Suez.

“The American ships are receiving high priority,” an official said.

On Nov. 8, the U.S. Navy’s USS Nimitz aircraft carrier crossed the 193-kilometer canal in a 14-hour voyage. Officials said Nimitz, headed for the Red Sea, was accompanied by two Egyptian Air Force helicopters.

Officials said the crossing of Nimitz demonstrated Egypt’s commitment to its military relationship with the United States. They said Egypt has not retaliated for the U.S. suspension of delivery of major combat platforms by restricting access to canal.

At least two attacks have been reported around the canal. In September,
a Chinese cargo vessel came under rocket-propelled grenade fire.

  Egypt gives ‘high priority’ protection to U.S. ships crossing Suez Canal, Muslim Brotherhood, Red Sea, USS Nimitz