In clashes between Egyptian security forces and Islamist militants in the western deserts of the country, at least 52 security and police personnel have lost their lives. In a statement released by Egypt's Ministry of Interior on October 20, it was mentioned that a number of 'terrorists' were also killed, though no specific details were provided. Egyptian officials have stated that some security forces were injured in the clashes, and the number of casualties among them is expected to rise. Security officials in Egypt reported that a convoy of police forces was tracking one of the hideouts of a group known as 'Hasm Movement' (HSM), when militants hidden in higher positions targeted them with RPGs and homemade bombs. This attack led to direct confrontation between the two sides. Shortly after this statement, the 'Hasm Movement' claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that 28 security personnel were killed and 32 were injured. The group, known as 'Hasm Movement', is an Islamist group that has engaged in broader militant actions since 2016. This group has claimed responsibility for several attacks on police forces, government officials, and judicial authorities in Egypt since 2016, including attempts to assassinate Ali Gomaa, the former Grand Mufti of Egypt, and Ahmed Abu al-Fotouh, one of the judges in the trial of deposed President Mohamed Morsi, as well as an attack on a checkpoint on the outskirts of Cairo that resulted in the deaths of six police officers. The Egyptian government identifies the 'HSM' group as the military wing of the Muslim Brotherhood. The Muslim Brotherhood, of which Mr. Morsi was a senior member, was declared illegal in 2013 following a military coup in Egypt. The Muslim Brotherhood has denied the Egyptian government's claims regarding the affiliation of 'HSM'. This year, Islamist militants have carried out several attacks in Egypt, including recent bombings in two different churches in April that left dozens dead and led to the imposition of a three-month state of emergency in the country.
At least 52 Egyptian security forces killed in clashes with Islamist militants
Clashes in Egypt's western deserts have resulted in the deaths of at least 52 security personnel during an operation against the Islamist group Hasm Movement. The group has claimed responsibility for the attack, highlighting the ongoing violence and instability in the region. This incident underscores the persistent threat of Islamist militancy in Egypt and its implications for national security.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Clashes in Egypt's western deserts resulted in the deaths of at least 52 security personnel during an operation against the Islamist group Hasm Movement. The group claimed responsibility for the attack, highlighting ongoing violence in the region.
- The attack involved RPGs and homemade bombs targeting a police convoy.
- Hasm Movement has been responsible for several attacks on Egyptian security forces since 2016.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Since the 2013 military coup that ousted President Mohamed Morsi, Egypt has experienced a rise in militant attacks, particularly from groups like Hasm Movement, which is linked to the banned Muslim Brotherhood.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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Translation confidence: 85%