Egypt's army carries out live fire exercise
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Special to World Tribune.com
MIDDLE EAST NEWSLINE
Friday, August 31, 2001
CAIRO Ñ Egypt's Second Army has launched a massive display of
firepower during its current exercise near the Suez Canal.
But Western defense sources said the Egyptian exercise was far smaller
than expected and shorter in duration than previous annual military
maneuvers in the northeast.
Egyptian sources said the exercise included a mock infantry attack
supported by tanks, artillery, F-16 warplanes, attack helicopters and air
defense units. The exercise, attended by several foreign defense attaches,
included night maneuvers.
The Bader exercise, the sources said, was meant to test Egypt's
preparedness for war in the region as well as defensive capabilities. They
said the main stage of the exercise ended on late Wednesday.
The five-day exercise was attended by Egypt's military brass, including
Defense Minister Hussein Tantawi. Tantawi is also commander in chief of the
armed forces.
The defense minister said the exercise was meant to improve the
capability of the military. He said developments in the Middle East require
Egypt's military to be on alert and maintain a high level of combat ability.
"New factors in the region means it is imperative for armed forces to be
vigilant, prudent, and maintain its combat capabilities and competence,"
Tantawi said.
The Bader exercise integrated mechanized infantry, armored units as well
as air force planes in a coordinated maneuver, the sources said. The
aircraft used in the exercise included the European Alpha trainer, which is
also a light combat jet.
Israel's military has been monitoring the Egyptian exercise. The concern
by Israel is that hundreds of thousands of Egyptian troops might be ordered
to cross the demilitarized Suez Canal into the Sinai Peninsula in violation
of the 1979 peace treaty between Cairo and Jerusalem.
On Thursday, the London-based Al Hayat daily reported that despite U.S.
pressure on Egypt regarding its missile cooperation with North Korea,
Congress is expected to approve new military sales to Cairo. This includes
the sale of tanks and extended-range multiple launch rocket systems. The
daily said Israel, despite concerns of Egypt's military modernization, has
not opposed the proposed sale.
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