Egypt’s President says battle against terrorism ‘difficult’ and ‘to take long time’

CAIRO,(ST)_Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has issued a decision on forming unified command to fight terrorism in Sinai.   

The decision was issued after al-Sisi chaired a meeting of the country’s Supreme Council of the Egyptian Armed Forces on Saturday.

“Battle against terrorism is difficult and tough and it will take a long time,” the Egyptian president said, adding that his country knows those who support and finance the armed groups in Sinai and it will confront them.

“Egyptian army will never leave Sinai to anyone,” al-Sisi asserted.

He added that Egypt faces the most dangerous secret organization in the world.

“This organization is strong and receives support from several countries, al-Sisi said.

Two days ago, terrorist attacked a military base, a police headquarters, a residential complex for army and police officers and several army checkpoints in El Arish, killing and injuring dozens of Egyptian soldiers and officers.

Thursday’s attack was the deadliest since an October 24 assault, also near El Arish, when terrorists killed over 30 soldiers and wounded scores more.

Syria condemned yesterday the attack, indicating that attacks on Egyptian army uncovers the plots that target forces defending the Arab states’ sovereignty and independence and their just causes.

Basma Qaddour