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1. 2 Children Among Hurt in Multiple Terror Attack; 6 Dead
by Chana Ya'ar
When Arab terrorists chalk up their day's "victory" against Israeli civilians they will be able to count two young children, ages 4 and 7, among Thursday's wounded. Two people died in the attacks against Egged Bus # 392 from Mitzpe Ramon to Eilat and a second bus. Four others were killed when a vehicle ran over a roadside bomb planted to maximize damage as IDF soldiers raced to the scene to defend and assist those who were hurt in the attacks.
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The little ones were among the 33 Israelis initially taken to Eilat's small local Yoseftal Medical Center -- the closest hospital -- following the quadruple terrorist attack in Israel's southern region. Seven of the most severely wounded were later airlifted to Be'er Sheva's Soroka Medical Center.
Israeli radio stations spent the afternoon updating news reports and playing Israeli Zionist songs, a sign of national sadness in the Jewish State.
Israel has meanwhile taken the nation to its highest terror alert following the attacks, which took place along its border with Egypt's Sinai Peninsula. The terrorists apparently used automatic, anti-tank weapons, mortars and roadside bombs in the attacks that targeted on two Israeli buses and civilians and military vehicles.
All non-Palestinian Authority Arab United Nations personnel have allegedly been evacuated from Gaza due to fears that Israel will retaliate for the attack. Egypt reportedly has also closed the Rafiah crossing with Gaza.
Analysts speculate that the international Al Qaeda terrorist organization may have been involved in the multi-site operation due to its complexity and the fact that Egypt recently began to crack down on Bedouin and terrorist activities in the Sinai Peninsula, where the organization has developed training bases. The region has become a lawless territory since the fall of former President Hosni Mubarak during the Tahrir Square Revolution that swept the country earlier this year.
"It is unbelievable -- the fence is several yards from the highway and when we were there on a field trip we saw a lone Egyptian guard in a tower, really less than 100 yards from the road," said an American immigrant who spoke with Arutz Sheva Thursday afternoon following the attacks.
The source, who requested anonymity, was blunt. "There is no problem to attack the highway from the Egyptian side, even with an M-16 rifle, let alone with a missle," he added.
Two weeks ago, terrorists from the Egyptian side shot and hit the jeep of a reserve battalion commander. The commander was not injured -- but the jeep was attacked from the Egyptian side of the border, according to security sources.
IDF soldiers located and killed seven terrorists who were responsible for Thursday afternoon's attack on the two Egged buses outside Eilat, security sources said. However, IDF soldiers continued to comb the area for the terrorists who carried out the attack on the civilian and military vehicles, reportedly a group consisting of 20 terrorists.
Readers who need to reach Soroka Medical Center to inquire about loved ones are asked to call the hospital's emergency information hotline at: 1-255-177
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by Chana Ya'ar
When Arab terrorists chalk up their day's "victory" against Israeli civilians they will be able to count two young children, ages 4 and 7, among Thursday's wounded. Two people died in the attacks against Egged Bus # 392 from Mitzpe Ramon to Eilat and a second bus. Four others were killed when a vehicle ran over a roadside bomb planted to maximize damage as IDF soldiers raced to the scene to defend and assist those who were hurt in the attacks.
[youtube:125260]
The little ones were among the 33 Israelis initially taken to Eilat's small local Yoseftal Medical Center -- the closest hospital -- following the quadruple terrorist attack in Israel's southern region. Seven of the most severely wounded were later airlifted to Be'er Sheva's Soroka Medical Center.
Israeli radio stations spent the afternoon updating news reports and playing Israeli Zionist songs, a sign of national sadness in the Jewish State.
Israel has meanwhile taken the nation to its highest terror alert following the attacks, which took place along its border with Egypt's Sinai Peninsula. The terrorists apparently used automatic, anti-tank weapons, mortars and roadside bombs in the attacks that targeted on two Israeli buses and civilians and military vehicles.
All non-Palestinian Authority Arab United Nations personnel have allegedly been evacuated from Gaza due to fears that Israel will retaliate for the attack. Egypt reportedly has also closed the Rafiah crossing with Gaza.
Analysts speculate that the international Al Qaeda terrorist organization may have been involved in the multi-site operation due to its complexity and the fact that Egypt recently began to crack down on Bedouin and terrorist activities in the Sinai Peninsula, where the organization has developed training bases. The region has become a lawless territory since the fall of former President Hosni Mubarak during the Tahrir Square Revolution that swept the country earlier this year.
"It is unbelievable -- the fence is several yards from the highway and when we were there on a field trip we saw a lone Egyptian guard in a tower, really less than 100 yards from the road," said an American immigrant who spoke with Arutz Sheva Thursday afternoon following the attacks.
The source, who requested anonymity, was blunt. "There is no problem to attack the highway from the Egyptian side, even with an M-16 rifle, let alone with a missle," he added.
Two weeks ago, terrorists from the Egyptian side shot and hit the jeep of a reserve battalion commander. The commander was not injured -- but the jeep was attacked from the Egyptian side of the border, according to security sources.
IDF soldiers located and killed seven terrorists who were responsible for Thursday afternoon's attack on the two Egged buses outside Eilat, security sources said. However, IDF soldiers continued to comb the area for the terrorists who carried out the attack on the civilian and military vehicles, reportedly a group consisting of 20 terrorists.
Readers who need to reach Soroka Medical Center to inquire about loved ones are asked to call the hospital's emergency information hotline at: 1-255-177
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2. Netanyahu Promises Swift Response to Triple Attack
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu promised a swift response to the deadly triple terror attack that left 6 Israelis dead and 33 wounded Thursday.
Speaking to Eilat Mayor Meir Yitzhak-Halevy following three separate terror attacks in the area, Netanyahu said, "We're talking about a serious incident in which Israeli citizens were hurt and the country's sovereignty was harmed."
Netanyahu is expected to address the nation and make a formal statement at 7:15 P.M. (GMT+2) later in the evening.
Earlier on Thursday, Defense Minister Ehud Barak said that the IDF will hunt down the perpetrators of the three-stage terrorist attack. Barak said that Israel will strike back at the terrorist infrastructure in Gaza in response to the attacks.
Speaking from his office at the Defense Ministry headquarters in Tel Aviv, the defense minister added that the IDF was assessing the security situation along the Israeli-Egyptian border which – despite available funds – is only 10% fenced.
"The attacks demonstrate the weakening of Egypt's control over the Sinai peninsula and the expansion of terrorist activity there," Barak said, adding "These attacks originate in Gaza and we will act against them with full force and resolve."
Also Thursday, the United Nations evacuated its foreign personnel from Gaza fearing a muscular Israeli response to the attacks.
Before the attacks some Israeli security officials had called for a large-scale operation in Gaza to deal with the terror threat posed by Hamas and other terror groups there.
Security experts say Israel may have to take control of the Philadelphi Cooridior -- separating Gaza from Sinai -- to truly impair Hamas' ability to strike at Israel.
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Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu promised a swift response to the deadly triple terror attack that left 6 Israelis dead and 33 wounded Thursday.
Speaking to Eilat Mayor Meir Yitzhak-Halevy following three separate terror attacks in the area, Netanyahu said, "We're talking about a serious incident in which Israeli citizens were hurt and the country's sovereignty was harmed."
Netanyahu is expected to address the nation and make a formal statement at 7:15 P.M. (GMT+2) later in the evening.
Earlier on Thursday, Defense Minister Ehud Barak said that the IDF will hunt down the perpetrators of the three-stage terrorist attack. Barak said that Israel will strike back at the terrorist infrastructure in Gaza in response to the attacks.
Speaking from his office at the Defense Ministry headquarters in Tel Aviv, the defense minister added that the IDF was assessing the security situation along the Israeli-Egyptian border which – despite available funds – is only 10% fenced.
"The attacks demonstrate the weakening of Egypt's control over the Sinai peninsula and the expansion of terrorist activity there," Barak said, adding "These attacks originate in Gaza and we will act against them with full force and resolve."
Also Thursday, the United Nations evacuated its foreign personnel from Gaza fearing a muscular Israeli response to the attacks.
Before the attacks some Israeli security officials had called for a large-scale operation in Gaza to deal with the terror threat posed by Hamas and other terror groups there.
Security experts say Israel may have to take control of the Philadelphi Cooridior -- separating Gaza from Sinai -- to truly impair Hamas' ability to strike at Israel.
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3. UN Evacuates Gaza After Attacks Fearing Israeli Response
by Gavriel Queenann
According to reports the United Nations decided Thursday to evacuate its foreign personnel from Gaza following the deadly string of terror attacks that rocked Israel's south.
The three successive attacks on buses in Israel's south left at least six dead and 33 wounded – including two women and two small children – prompting international speculation a muscular Israeli response is in the works.
Israeli security forces were already gearing up for a potential explosion of violence in connection to the Palestinian Authority bid for statehood at the UN in September leading many to question whether a large scale preemptive Israeli operation in Gaza – which some security officials have already called for – will be launched before the world body convenes.
"The attacks demonstrate the weakening of Egypt's control over the Sinai Peninsula and the expansion of terrorist activity there," Defense Minister Ehud Barak said, adding "These attacks originate in Gaza and we will act against them with full force and resolve."
Barak's focus on Gaza – and the Hamas terror organization that rules it – comes as Egyptian officials say Thursday's attacks were unlikely have come from Sinai, where Egypt is currently conducting counter-terror operations to root out terror groups.
Security patrols on the Egyptian-Israeli border – only 10% of which is fenced – had not picked up on "suspicious movements" on the Egyptian side, a source said, adding security had been heightened on the border after news of the attack.
But on Wednesday it was reported Hamas was harboring Al-Qaeda-linked terrorists who had conducted terror attacks in Sinai in Gaza and had repeatedly refused Egyptian requests they be handed over. It was unclear if Ramzi Mahmoud Al Mowafi, slain arch-terrorist Osama Bin Laden's personal physician and bomb maker – reported seen in Sinai this week – was among them.
IDF general Tzvika Fogel (Ret.) told reporters Israel must "seize control of the Philadelphi Corridor" in southern Gaza, thereby stopping the flow of terrorists and munitions in and out of the region. He also said Israel must punish Hamas politically while simultaneously targeting its leadership, especially the military commanders. He added the attack was likely intended to kidnap Israelis.
There are suspicions the same Gaza-based clan that masterminded the kidnapping of Gilad Schalit – masterminded the attack.
The comments by Israel and Egyptian officials came after a three-stage terrorist attack along Israel’s border with Egypt took place late Thursday morning, when terrorists opened fire at an Egged bus traveling on Road 12 near Eilat.
Several minutes later, a number of bombs went off next to an IDF patrol traveling along the border with Egypt. There were also reports of mortar fire from Egypt into Israel. The terrorists apparently then moved on to another spot and fired an anti-tank missile at another vehicle, injuring a number of passengers.
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by Gavriel Queenann
According to reports the United Nations decided Thursday to evacuate its foreign personnel from Gaza following the deadly string of terror attacks that rocked Israel's south.
The three successive attacks on buses in Israel's south left at least six dead and 33 wounded – including two women and two small children – prompting international speculation a muscular Israeli response is in the works.
Israeli security forces were already gearing up for a potential explosion of violence in connection to the Palestinian Authority bid for statehood at the UN in September leading many to question whether a large scale preemptive Israeli operation in Gaza – which some security officials have already called for – will be launched before the world body convenes.
"The attacks demonstrate the weakening of Egypt's control over the Sinai Peninsula and the expansion of terrorist activity there," Defense Minister Ehud Barak said, adding "These attacks originate in Gaza and we will act against them with full force and resolve."
Barak's focus on Gaza – and the Hamas terror organization that rules it – comes as Egyptian officials say Thursday's attacks were unlikely have come from Sinai, where Egypt is currently conducting counter-terror operations to root out terror groups.
Security patrols on the Egyptian-Israeli border – only 10% of which is fenced – had not picked up on "suspicious movements" on the Egyptian side, a source said, adding security had been heightened on the border after news of the attack.
But on Wednesday it was reported Hamas was harboring Al-Qaeda-linked terrorists who had conducted terror attacks in Sinai in Gaza and had repeatedly refused Egyptian requests they be handed over. It was unclear if Ramzi Mahmoud Al Mowafi, slain arch-terrorist Osama Bin Laden's personal physician and bomb maker – reported seen in Sinai this week – was among them.
IDF general Tzvika Fogel (Ret.) told reporters Israel must "seize control of the Philadelphi Corridor" in southern Gaza, thereby stopping the flow of terrorists and munitions in and out of the region. He also said Israel must punish Hamas politically while simultaneously targeting its leadership, especially the military commanders. He added the attack was likely intended to kidnap Israelis.
There are suspicions the same Gaza-based clan that masterminded the kidnapping of Gilad Schalit – masterminded the attack.
The comments by Israel and Egyptian officials came after a three-stage terrorist attack along Israel’s border with Egypt took place late Thursday morning, when terrorists opened fire at an Egged bus traveling on Road 12 near Eilat.
Several minutes later, a number of bombs went off next to an IDF patrol traveling along the border with Egypt. There were also reports of mortar fire from Egypt into Israel. The terrorists apparently then moved on to another spot and fired an anti-tank missile at another vehicle, injuring a number of passengers.
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4. IDF: We'll Pursue Terrorists 'at All Costs'
by Gil Ronen
The IDF has released a statement summing up Thursday's terror attacks in southern Israel.
"Today's combined terrorist attacks on Israeli civilian vehicles began several hours ago, when gunfire was opened at an Israeli bus," the military said. "Fourteen people were injured as a result and were evacuated to nearby hospitals. Simultaneously, fire was opened on an additional bus and two civilian vehicles, injuring several people."
"An explosive device was detonated on IDF soldiers that arrived at the scene a short while afterwards, injuring several of them."
"Several mortar shells were simultaneously fired from the Gaza Strip at soldiers conducting routine maintenance work on the security fence on the Israel-Egypt border."
"The events are ongoing, and are currently being managed by IDF Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Benny Gantz, GOC Southern Command, Major-General Tal Russo and Commander of the Edom (80th) Division, Brigadier-General Tamir Yadi."
"GOC Southern Command ordered that Routes 10 and 12 be closed to traffic in order to enable security and rescue forces to perform their jobs. The public is requested to avoid the area."
"This is a malicious attack on innocent civilians, who were on their way to the well-known tourist destination city of Eilat, for their summer vacation. The IDF will pursue those responsible for this attack at all costs and will not allow any further harm to Israeli civilians."
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by Gil Ronen
The IDF has released a statement summing up Thursday's terror attacks in southern Israel.
"Today's combined terrorist attacks on Israeli civilian vehicles began several hours ago, when gunfire was opened at an Israeli bus," the military said. "Fourteen people were injured as a result and were evacuated to nearby hospitals. Simultaneously, fire was opened on an additional bus and two civilian vehicles, injuring several people."
"An explosive device was detonated on IDF soldiers that arrived at the scene a short while afterwards, injuring several of them."
"Several mortar shells were simultaneously fired from the Gaza Strip at soldiers conducting routine maintenance work on the security fence on the Israel-Egypt border."
"The events are ongoing, and are currently being managed by IDF Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Benny Gantz, GOC Southern Command, Major-General Tal Russo and Commander of the Edom (80th) Division, Brigadier-General Tamir Yadi."
"GOC Southern Command ordered that Routes 10 and 12 be closed to traffic in order to enable security and rescue forces to perform their jobs. The public is requested to avoid the area."
"This is a malicious attack on innocent civilians, who were on their way to the well-known tourist destination city of Eilat, for their summer vacation. The IDF will pursue those responsible for this attack at all costs and will not allow any further harm to Israeli civilians."
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5. EU Asks Israel to Reopen PLO Headquarters
by Gavriel Queenann
The European Union -- ignoring Israel's long-stated position Jerusalem will remain its undivided and eternal capital -- has called for Israel to allow the PLO to re-open its headquarters in the Orient House in the holy city.
"The EU firmly believes that these institutions should be allowed to re-open and resume their operations as focal points for Palestinians in east Jerusalem," an EU statement said. "The EU urges Israel to reconsider the closure and to fully review its decision."
Israeli police shut down the institutions in 2001, shortly after the launch of the Second Intifada.
Last week, the EU spoke out against Interior Minister Eli Yishai's decision to approve construction of 1,600 apartments in the northeast Jerusalem haredi neighborhood of Ramat Shlomo.
European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said she "regrets" hearing of Eli Yishai's decision about the Ramat Shlomo construction, saying that such moves threaten the two-state solution.
The EU official said in a statement that she deeply regrets receiving "information of the publicly stated intention of the Israeli government to continue settlement expansion in east Jerusalem," noting that the EU has "repeatedly called on Israel to end all settlement activity."
For the Palestinian Authority to headquarter itself in Jerusalem would be a step towards exercising sovreignty in the city.
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by Gavriel Queenann
The European Union -- ignoring Israel's long-stated position Jerusalem will remain its undivided and eternal capital -- has called for Israel to allow the PLO to re-open its headquarters in the Orient House in the holy city.
"The EU firmly believes that these institutions should be allowed to re-open and resume their operations as focal points for Palestinians in east Jerusalem," an EU statement said. "The EU urges Israel to reconsider the closure and to fully review its decision."
Israeli police shut down the institutions in 2001, shortly after the launch of the Second Intifada.
Last week, the EU spoke out against Interior Minister Eli Yishai's decision to approve construction of 1,600 apartments in the northeast Jerusalem haredi neighborhood of Ramat Shlomo.
European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said she "regrets" hearing of Eli Yishai's decision about the Ramat Shlomo construction, saying that such moves threaten the two-state solution.
The EU official said in a statement that she deeply regrets receiving "information of the publicly stated intention of the Israeli government to continue settlement expansion in east Jerusalem," noting that the EU has "repeatedly called on Israel to end all settlement activity."
For the Palestinian Authority to headquarter itself in Jerusalem would be a step towards exercising sovreignty in the city.
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6. Bus Driver Kept His Cool, Stepped on the Gas
by Gil Ronen
The driver of the Egged # 392 bus that was attacked in the first stage of the multi-pronged attack in the south is credited with saving lives by speeding up and driving away from the scene. Driver Benny Bilevsky was unhurt.
Passengers on the bus reported a few soldiers on board attempted to fire back at the terrorists as the bus sped away. The driver's quick thinking and decision to speed away, authorities say, certainly saved lives.
Seven passengers were lightly to moderately hurt. Twenty-five more were treated for traumatic shock.
The driver said that there were many soldiers on the bus, some of them on leave and some on their way to their bases.
He described two "Egyptian soldiers" in camouflage uniforms who fired at the bus with rifles. These were apparently terrorists.
"There was shouting on the bus, crying and shock," he said. "I drove as fast as I could and I hope that this is what saved the passengers. Magen David Adom [emergency medical] crews arrived on the scene and treated the wounded."
There were also reports that a vehicle blocked the bus's way and that three people in blue coveralls came out and began firing at the bus. This report does not jibe with the reports about Egyptian soldiers in camouflage uniforms.
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by Gil Ronen
The driver of the Egged # 392 bus that was attacked in the first stage of the multi-pronged attack in the south is credited with saving lives by speeding up and driving away from the scene. Driver Benny Bilevsky was unhurt.
Passengers on the bus reported a few soldiers on board attempted to fire back at the terrorists as the bus sped away. The driver's quick thinking and decision to speed away, authorities say, certainly saved lives.
Seven passengers were lightly to moderately hurt. Twenty-five more were treated for traumatic shock.
The driver said that there were many soldiers on the bus, some of them on leave and some on their way to their bases.
He described two "Egyptian soldiers" in camouflage uniforms who fired at the bus with rifles. These were apparently terrorists.
"There was shouting on the bus, crying and shock," he said. "I drove as fast as I could and I hope that this is what saved the passengers. Magen David Adom [emergency medical] crews arrived on the scene and treated the wounded."
There were also reports that a vehicle blocked the bus's way and that three people in blue coveralls came out and began firing at the bus. This report does not jibe with the reports about Egyptian soldiers in camouflage uniforms.
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7. Report: Hamas Harboring Sinai Terrorists
by Gavriel Queenann
The Hamas-run government in the Gaza strip again refused Monday to honor Egyptian requests to hand over terrorists from Gaza believed to have perpetrated a recent attack on a police station in the Sinai city of El-Arish, Egyptian daily al-Masry al-Youm reported.
Citing a "well-placed Egyptian source," the report said that Egyptian authorities provided evidence to Hamas implicating the men who Egypt says escaped back into Gaza via tunnels.
With each request, Hamas officials reportedly gave different excuses for not handing over the wanted men, al-Masry al-Youm quoted the sources as saying.
On Monday, Egypt presented another official request for Hamas to arrest the Palestinians. Of the 15 terrorists who attacked and attempted to take over the el-Arish police station, 10 were identified by Egyptian authorities as being from Gaza, Egypt's Al-Ahram reported.
The requests come as Egypt this week launched a large military operation to rein in Islamic terrorists operating in Sinai from neighboring Gaza, including al-Qaeda affiliated terrorists.
The operation required Israeli approval as the 1979 peace treaty between the two countries limits the number of troops Egypt may move into the Sinai.
An Egyptian security official said that the operation is expected to last "a number of months," and that it would eventually proceed all the way to Rafiah, home of the sole border crossing between Sinai and Gaza. If so, it will be the first time significant numbers of Egyptian troops have approached Israel's southern border since the 1973 Yom Kippur War.
On Sunday, the Egyptian military deployed 1,000 soldiers and hundreds of armored personnel carriers in the Sinai with the aim of uprooting terrorist infrastructure and restoring order to the peninsula which was lost following the revolution in Egypt in February.
One person was killed, and 16 others were arrested in Sinai on Monday as part of the raid launched by Egyptian troops and policemen.
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by Gavriel Queenann
The Hamas-run government in the Gaza strip again refused Monday to honor Egyptian requests to hand over terrorists from Gaza believed to have perpetrated a recent attack on a police station in the Sinai city of El-Arish, Egyptian daily al-Masry al-Youm reported.
Citing a "well-placed Egyptian source," the report said that Egyptian authorities provided evidence to Hamas implicating the men who Egypt says escaped back into Gaza via tunnels.
With each request, Hamas officials reportedly gave different excuses for not handing over the wanted men, al-Masry al-Youm quoted the sources as saying.
On Monday, Egypt presented another official request for Hamas to arrest the Palestinians. Of the 15 terrorists who attacked and attempted to take over the el-Arish police station, 10 were identified by Egyptian authorities as being from Gaza, Egypt's Al-Ahram reported.
The requests come as Egypt this week launched a large military operation to rein in Islamic terrorists operating in Sinai from neighboring Gaza, including al-Qaeda affiliated terrorists.
The operation required Israeli approval as the 1979 peace treaty between the two countries limits the number of troops Egypt may move into the Sinai.
An Egyptian security official said that the operation is expected to last "a number of months," and that it would eventually proceed all the way to Rafiah, home of the sole border crossing between Sinai and Gaza. If so, it will be the first time significant numbers of Egyptian troops have approached Israel's southern border since the 1973 Yom Kippur War.
On Sunday, the Egyptian military deployed 1,000 soldiers and hundreds of armored personnel carriers in the Sinai with the aim of uprooting terrorist infrastructure and restoring order to the peninsula which was lost following the revolution in Egypt in February.
One person was killed, and 16 others were arrested in Sinai on Monday as part of the raid launched by Egyptian troops and policemen.
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8. Report: Bin Laden Physician in Sinai
by Gavriel Queenann
Ramzi Mahmoud Al Mowafi, physician to late al Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden, escaped from a Cairo prison during the Egyptian revolution earlier this year and has resurfaced in the country's North Sinai area, agencies report.
"Al Mowafi, also known among his fellow Jihadists as the 'chemist,' escaped from a maximum security prison in Cairo on January 30 while serving a life sentence," Maj. Yaser Atia from Egyptian GSS told CNN Monday.
According to prison records, Al Mowafi was sentenced to life for a "military case" -- but more details were not immediately known.
Bin Laden's longtime personal physician and an explosives expert, Al Mowafi was born in Egypt in 1952. He left for Afghanistan to join al Qaeda, according to the data listed in his prison records.
"Al Mowafi was seen in Sinai by several Jihadist(s) according to witness testimonials," Gen. Sameh Seif Al Yezen said. "I know he is very dangerous and that he had set up his own laboratory in Tora Bora with bin Laden. A full report will be published on this matter in the upcoming week."
A general in Egypt's intelligence service, who spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity, said "Al Mowafi surfaced in el-Arish and communicated with several 'terrorists' from the Egyptian Takfir wal-Hijra and the Palestinian Islamic Army."
Takfir wal-Hijra is an Islamic terror group.
The general added, "Al Qaeda is present in Sinai, mainly in the area of Sakaska close to Rafiah."
The report of al Mowafi's presence in Sinai comes as Egypt launches a broad operation there against terrorists who have wrought chaos there in recent months, driving though towns firing live ammunition, attacking a police station, and bombing the gas pipeline to Israel and Jordan five times.
One person was killed and 16 were arrested on Monday, the first day of the operation, said Hazem al-Maadawi, a police officer involved in the operation. Police said they found hand grenades, machine guns, rocket-propelled grenades and ammunition in the operation
Citing an unnamed security official, state news agency EgyNews said authorities are targeting 15 more people who participated in attacks at an el-Arish police station -- some of whom are members of the extremist Jaish el-Islam group, which is affiliated with al Qaeda.
Also Tuesday, Egyptian officials said Hamas is harboring terrorists based in Gaza who participated in the Sinai attacks - it is unknown if Al Mowafi is among them.
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by Gavriel Queenann
Ramzi Mahmoud Al Mowafi, physician to late al Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden, escaped from a Cairo prison during the Egyptian revolution earlier this year and has resurfaced in the country's North Sinai area, agencies report.
"Al Mowafi, also known among his fellow Jihadists as the 'chemist,' escaped from a maximum security prison in Cairo on January 30 while serving a life sentence," Maj. Yaser Atia from Egyptian GSS told CNN Monday.
According to prison records, Al Mowafi was sentenced to life for a "military case" -- but more details were not immediately known.
Bin Laden's longtime personal physician and an explosives expert, Al Mowafi was born in Egypt in 1952. He left for Afghanistan to join al Qaeda, according to the data listed in his prison records.
"Al Mowafi was seen in Sinai by several Jihadist(s) according to witness testimonials," Gen. Sameh Seif Al Yezen said. "I know he is very dangerous and that he had set up his own laboratory in Tora Bora with bin Laden. A full report will be published on this matter in the upcoming week."
A general in Egypt's intelligence service, who spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity, said "Al Mowafi surfaced in el-Arish and communicated with several 'terrorists' from the Egyptian Takfir wal-Hijra and the Palestinian Islamic Army."
Takfir wal-Hijra is an Islamic terror group.
The general added, "Al Qaeda is present in Sinai, mainly in the area of Sakaska close to Rafiah."
The report of al Mowafi's presence in Sinai comes as Egypt launches a broad operation there against terrorists who have wrought chaos there in recent months, driving though towns firing live ammunition, attacking a police station, and bombing the gas pipeline to Israel and Jordan five times.
One person was killed and 16 were arrested on Monday, the first day of the operation, said Hazem al-Maadawi, a police officer involved in the operation. Police said they found hand grenades, machine guns, rocket-propelled grenades and ammunition in the operation
Citing an unnamed security official, state news agency EgyNews said authorities are targeting 15 more people who participated in attacks at an el-Arish police station -- some of whom are members of the extremist Jaish el-Islam group, which is affiliated with al Qaeda.
Also Tuesday, Egyptian officials said Hamas is harboring terrorists based in Gaza who participated in the Sinai attacks - it is unknown if Al Mowafi is among them.
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