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Egypt's army carries out live fire exercise

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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