Egyptian army steps up offensive against illegal gold mining in the Eastern Desert

The Egyptian army will launch the fourth phase of its campaign against illegal gold mining in the Eastern Desert on Saturday, November 7, army spokesman Colonel Ahmed Othman Ali announced. During the first three phases, conducted from June 14 to October 29, 151 Egyptians and 540 foreign nationals were detained, while 6,614 people voluntarily reported to checkpoints. The armed forces seized 34 firearms, more than 6,300 rounds of ammunition and 317 vehicles, and targeted 52 gatherings of armed groups, including with armed drones. Authorities reported that two border guard officers were killed and said no civilians were targeted.