Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan Condemn Attack on Egyptian Border Guards

Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Jordan have issued statements condemning an armed attack on Egyptian border guard forces in southern Egypt. The attack resulted in the deaths of two military officers and drew widespread international condemnation. Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its solidarity with Egypt in confronting threats to its security and extended condolences to the officers' families and the Egyptian government.

Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also condemned the attack, reiterating its rejection of violence, terrorism, and criminal acts. Jordan's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Fouad Al-Majali expressed support for Egypt and conveyed condolences to the families of the two officers. The Arab League condemned the attack, affirming its support for Egypt's efforts to protect its security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

The attack occurred during a large-scale military campaign against unauthorised gold extraction in the Eastern Desert. Egyptian Military Spokesperson Colonel Ahmed Othman Ali announced that two officers had been killed during operations targeting illegal gold mining. The officers were identified as Colonel Ahmed Samir and Lieutenant Colonel Ahmed Gouda.

According to the military spokesperson, the first three phases of the campaign resulted in the apprehension of 691 people, including 151 Egyptians and 540 foreign nationals. Another 6,614 people voluntarily surrendered before operations began. The Armed Forces also reported seizing weapons, ammunition, vehicles, and mining equipment during the operations.

The military campaign against illegal gold mining has been underway since 14 June. The fourth phase of the campaign was scheduled to begin on 7 November, with intensified border patrols aimed at preventing illegal mining activities from resuming. The incident highlighted the challenges faced by Egyptian authorities in maintaining security in the region.

The condemnations from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Jordan reflect the international community's concerns about regional stability. Egypt's security and stability are considered a fundamental pillar of Arab national security. The incident underscored the importance of cooperation between countries to address common security challenges.

The Egyptian government has been working to address the issue of illegal gold mining, which poses a significant threat to the country's security and economy. The authorities have taken steps to prevent illegal mining activities and to bring those responsible to justice. The incident served as a reminder of the need for continued efforts to address this issue.

Key points

• The attack on Egyptian border guards resulted in the deaths of two military officers.
• Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Jordan have condemned the attack and expressed their support for Egypt.
• The incident occurred during a military campaign against unauthorised gold extraction in the Eastern Desert.