The Egyptian Ministry of Interior announced the arrest of members of the terrorist group 'Hasm', affiliated with the 'Muslim Brotherhood', accused of planning to carry out terrorist operations aimed at harming the state's resources and attempting to assassinate Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Sisi.
In an official statement, the ministry reported that it had apprehended the terrorist leader Mohamed Abdel Wunis as part of efforts to pursue members of the group involved in actions targeting state security. The arrest came following security raids on July 7, which resulted in the deaths of two members of the group.
Details of the Incident
The Ministry of Interior indicated that Abdel Wunis is serving a life sentence in several terrorism-related cases, including case number 120 of 2022 related to the attempted targeting of the presidential plane and the assassination of Lieutenant Majid Abdel Razek. Abdel Wunis also revealed his confessions regarding the terrorist operations he planned, including targeting the Al-Ajizi checkpoint in Menoufia and detonating an explosive device in front of a police training center in Tanta, which resulted in the martyrdom and injury of several police personnel.
He also confessed to having infiltrated a neighboring country in 2016 on the orders of the fugitive 'Brotherhood' leader Yahya Moussa, where he contacted leaders of the 'Al-Murabitun' organization, founded by Hisham Ashmawy, and established a camp to train 'Hasm' members in the use of heavy weapons and explosives.
Background & Context
The 'Hasm' movement was established in 2016 and is considered one of the most prominent terrorist groups linked to the 'Muslim Brotherhood' in Egypt. Egyptian authorities have accused the group of involvement in several terrorist operations, including the bombing of a car in front of the Cancer Institute in Cairo in 2019, which resulted in the deaths of 22 people. The group has also been attributed with attempts to assassinate prominent state figures.
These developments come at a time when Egypt is facing increasing security challenges, as the government seeks to enhance its security measures to confront terrorist threats. The 'Hasm' movement is part of a broader network of extremist groups aiming to destabilize the country.
Impact & Consequences
Counter-terrorism experts assert that the arrest of 'Hasm' members reflects the ongoing targeting of Egyptian internal security by the 'Muslim Brotherhood'. Hatim Saber, a counter-terrorism expert, points out that these operations indicate external intelligence support for the organization, complicating the government's efforts to combat terrorism.
Moreover, the confessions made by Abdel Wunis indicate the existence of advanced plans to carry out terrorist operations, highlighting the urgent need to enhance security cooperation among countries to confront these threats.
Regional Significance
These events are indicative of rising security tensions in the region, where many Arab countries face similar challenges related to terrorism. The continued activity of extremist groups in Egypt could affect regional stability and increase concerns about the potential spread of these activities to neighboring countries.
In conclusion, the Egyptian government's efforts to combat terrorism reflect the significant challenges it faces in maintaining security and stability. Addressing these groups requires comprehensive strategies and effective international cooperation.