Special to WorldTribune.com

CAIRO — Bedouins have begun using rocket-propelled grenades in
attacks on Egyptian security forces in the Sinai Peninsula.

Security sources said Bedouin fighters believed linked to Al Qaida have
deployed RPGs in attacks in central and eastern Sinai.

The sources said the fighters were targeting security facilities, including police stations and checkpoints.

“They have long had RPGs, but now they are beginning to use them,” a security source said.

On May 5, Bedouin fighters attacked a military checkpoint in northern
Sinai and two soldiers were injured. The sources said the Bedouins targeted the Abu Tawila checkpoint in Sheik Zuweid near the Sinai border with the Gaza Strip, the first attack on a military facility.

“The attackers drove away,” the source said.

The sources said Bedouin fighters were deploying RPGs in what appeared to be their strategy to escalate the insurgency in Sinai. They said the fighters were using four-wheel drives and motorcycles for attacks on military and police targets, including abducting soldiers and police.

The Egyptian daily Al Masri Al Yom reported that the Bedouin RPG attacks
have hurt morale among security forces in Sinai. Al Masri said soldiers were
demanding equipment to protect against RPG and other strikes.

“A state of dissatisfaction prevailed among security forces in the Rafah
camp following the [May 5] incident,” the newspaper said. “The soldiers
demanded better protection at the border, as many have been kidnapped or
injured by smugglers without higher authorities taking action.”

  Abu Tawila checkpoint, Bedouin fighters linked to Al Qaida, Rafah camp, Sinai Bedouins stepping up attacks on Egyptian forces, targeting security facilities