Rockets fired at Israel from Jordan were shipped via Sinai
CAIRO — Egypt is expanding its security presence in the Sinai
Peninsula.
The reinforced security presence began in late April after the
firing of two Russian-origin BM-21 Grad rockets toward the Israeli port city
of Eilat, Middle East Newsline reported.
The rockets, which fell into Jordanian territory and waters, were
said to have stemmed from shipments of rockets and missiles that reached the
area around Sinai.
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Officials said the Egyptian Interior Ministry has ordered a
reinforcement of police and Gendarmerie units in the Sinai amid an alert of
a major insurgency strike. They said the forces have been establishing
roadblocks in numerous areas of the peninsula in search for suspected Al
Qaida operatives.
"The security situation is stable, but this is a precaution because of
reports that terrorists have infiltrated the area," an official said.
Officials said Egyptian police and Gendarmerie have deployed a range of
armored vehicles in and around Sinai. They said troops were checking
vehicles as they entered the Salam Bridge, which connects the western
portion of the peninsula to the African mainland.
The Interior Ministry has acknowledged the deployment of additional
troops in Sinai. But the ministry attributed this to the annual celebration
of Egypt's recovery of the Sinai from Israel in 1982.
"The security situation in Sinai is stable," a ministry source said.