August 2012 Sinai attack: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 29°30′N 33°50′E / 29.500°N 33.833°E / 29.500; 33.833
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| date = {{Start date|2012|08|05|df=y}}
| date = {{Start date|2012|08|05|df=y}}
| type =
| type =
| fatalities = 24 - 8 gunmen,<ref name=BBC>{{cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-19144906 |title=Egypt Israel border attack leaves 'five gunmen dead' |date=6 August 2012 |publisher=BBC News |accessdate=6 August 2012}}</ref><ref name=AJ />16 Egyptian soldiers<ref name="Egypt vows">{{cite web | url=http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gUZiFAMl71cM_icwZDF36k5QRyxQ?docId=23b91bb225e943febd3539788ad3f362 | title=Egypt military vows to hunt down Sinai attackers | publisher=Associated Press | date=6 August 2012 | accessdate=6 August 2012}}</ref><ref name="Egypt rues">{{cite web | url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/egyptians-and-palestinians-implicate-israel-in-border-attack/ | title=Egypt rues fatal unpreparedness for Sunday’s terror attack, as ex-MP charges Israeli collusion | publisher=The Times of Israel | date=6 August 2012 | accessdate=6 August 2012 | author=Miller, Elhanan}}</ref>
| fatalities = 24 - 8 gunmen,<ref name=BBC>{{cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-19144906 |title=Egypt Israel border attack leaves 'five gunmen dead' |date=6 August 2012 |publisher=BBC News |accessdate=6 August 2012}}</ref><ref name=AJ />16 Egyptian soldiers<ref name="Egypt vows">{{cite web | url=http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gUZiFAMl71cM_icwZDF36k5QRyxQ?docId=23b91bb225e943febd3539788ad3f362 | title=Egypt military vows to hunt down Sinai attackers | publisher=Associated Press | date=6 August 2012 | accessdate=6 August 2012}}</ref><ref name="Egypt rues">{{cite web | url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/egyptians-and-palestinians-implicate-israel-in-border-attack/ | title=Egypt rues fatal unpreparedness for Sunday’s terror attack, as ex-MP charges Israeli collusion | publisher=The Times of Israel | date=6 August 2012 | accessdate=6 August 2012 | author=Elhanan Miller}}</ref>
<ref name="Watch IAF">{{cite web | url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4265265,00.html | title=Watch: IAF strikes Sinai terror cell | publisher=Yedioth Ahronot | date=6 August 2012 | accessdate=6 August 2012 | author=Zitun, Yoav}}</ref>
<ref name="Watch IAF">{{cite web | url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4265265,00.html | title=Watch: IAF strikes Sinai terror cell | publisher=Yedioth Ahronot | date=6 August 2012 | accessdate=6 August 2012 | author=Yoav Zitun}}</ref>
| injuries = 7<ref name=USAT />
| injuries = 7<ref name=USAT />
| perps =
| perps =
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Following the [[2011 Egyptian revolution]], militant organizations increased their activity in the [[Sinai Peninsula]], and some [[Al-Qaeda]]-linked groups were established as well.<ref>[http://articles.cnn.com/2011-08-12/world/egypt.al.qaeda.operation_1_al-qaeda-cells-el-arish-north-sinai?_s=PM:WORLD Officials: Egypt to target al Qaeda cells said to be training in Sinai – CNN]</ref>
Following the [[2011 Egyptian revolution]], militant organizations increased their activity in the [[Sinai Peninsula]], and some [[Al-Qaeda]]-linked groups were established as well.<ref>[http://articles.cnn.com/2011-08-12/world/egypt.al.qaeda.operation_1_al-qaeda-cells-el-arish-north-sinai?_s=PM:WORLD Officials: Egypt to target al Qaeda cells said to be training in Sinai – CNN]</ref>


There have been frequent attacks and bombings of gas pipelines to Israel (and Jordan) in the Sinai Peninsula from these groups. As of July 2012, the gas pipelines have been bombed 15 times since the 2011 uprising.<ref name="gas">{{cite web | url=http://www.egyptindependent.com/news/gas-pipeline-sinai-bombed-15th-time-revolution-started | title=Gas pipeline in Sinai bombed for 15th time since revolution started | publisher=Egypt Independent | date=22 July 2012 | accessdate=6 August 2012 | author=Harb, Ashgan}}</ref>
There have been frequent attacks and bombings of gas pipelines to Israel (and Jordan) in the Sinai Peninsula from these groups. As of July 2012, the gas pipelines have been bombed 15 times since the 2011 uprising.<ref name="gas">{{cite web | url=http://www.egyptindependent.com/news/gas-pipeline-sinai-bombed-15th-time-revolution-started | title=Gas pipeline in Sinai bombed for 15th time since revolution started | publisher=Egypt Independent | date=22 July 2012 | accessdate=6 August 2012 | author=Ashgan Harb}}</ref>


In August 2011, a series of cross-border attacks were carried out in southern [[Israel]] on [[Highway 12 (Israel)|Highway 12]] near the [[Egypt]]ian border via the Sinai Peninsula.<ref name="haaretz1">{{cite news| first=Avi| last= Issacharoff| url=http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/report-three-egyptians-took-part-in-terrorist-attacks-on-southern-israel-1.380321| title= Report: Three Egyptians took part in terrorist attacks on southern Israel| newspaper=Haaretz}}</ref> The terrorists opened fire on an [[Egged (company)|Egged]] No.&nbsp;392 bus near [[Eilat]],<ref name="CNN">{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/08/18/israel.shooting/ |title=Israeli airstrikes target Gaza after multiple attacks – | newspaper=CNN| date=August 19, 2011 |accessdate=August 20, 2011}}</ref><ref name="aljazhome">{{cite news| url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/08/201181893519247218.html |title=Israel launches strikes on Gaza after attacks| newspaper=Al Jazeera English | date=August 19, 2011| accessdate=August 21, 2011}}</ref> and soon thereafter, a bomb was detonated next to an Israeli army patrol along the Egypt-Israel border. A third attack occured when an [[anti-tank missile]] hit a private vehicle, killing four civilians.<ref name= jpost1>{{cite news|url=http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=234360|title=Additional shooting attack north of Eilat, one injured|publisher=[[The Jerusalem Post]]|date=August 18, 2011|accessdate=August 18, 2011}}</ref> Eight [[Israelis]] – six civilians, one [[Yamam]] special Unit police officer and one [[Golani Brigade]] soldier—were killed during the multi-pronged attack.<ref name="jpost3">{{cite news|url=http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=234389|title=Israel kills PRC leadership in Gaza airstrike|author=Katz, Yaakov|publisher=[[The Jerusalem Post]]|date=August 18, 2011|accessdate=August 18, 2011}}</ref><ref name="jpost4">{{cite news|url=http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=234417|title=Counter-terror officer killed by terrorist fire near Eilat|publisher=[[The Jerusalem Post]]|date=August 19, 2011|accessdate=August 19, 2011}}</ref> The [[Israel Defense Forces|Israeli security forces]] reported eight attackers killed, and Egyptian security forces reported killing another two.<ref name="haaretz1"/>
In August 2011, a series of cross-border attacks were carried out in southern [[Israel]] on [[Highway 12 (Israel)|Highway 12]] near the [[Egypt]]ian border via the Sinai Peninsula.<ref name="haaretz1">{{cite news| first=Avi| last= Issacharoff| url=http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/report-three-egyptians-took-part-in-terrorist-attacks-on-southern-israel-1.380321| title= Report: Three Egyptians took part in terrorist attacks on southern Israel| newspaper=Haaretz}}</ref> The terrorists opened fire on an [[Egged (company)|Egged]] No.&nbsp;392 bus near [[Eilat]],<ref name="CNN">{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/08/18/israel.shooting/ |title=Israeli airstrikes target Gaza after multiple attacks – | newspaper=CNN| date=August 19, 2011 |accessdate=August 20, 2011}}</ref><ref name="aljazhome">{{cite news| url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/08/201181893519247218.html |title=Israel launches strikes on Gaza after attacks| newspaper=Al Jazeera English | date=August 19, 2011| accessdate=August 21, 2011}}</ref> and soon thereafter, a bomb was detonated next to an Israeli army patrol along the Egypt-Israel border. A third attack occured when an [[anti-tank missile]] hit a private vehicle, killing four civilians.<ref name= jpost1>{{cite news|url=http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=234360|title=Additional shooting attack north of Eilat, one injured|publisher=[[The Jerusalem Post]]|date=August 18, 2011|accessdate=August 18, 2011}}</ref> Eight [[Israelis]] – six civilians, one [[Yamam]] special Unit police officer and one [[Golani Brigade]] soldier—were killed during the multi-pronged attack.<ref name="jpost3">{{cite news|url=http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=234389|title=Israel kills PRC leadership in Gaza airstrike|author=Yaakov Katz|publisher=[[The Jerusalem Post]]|date=August 18, 2011|accessdate=August 18, 2011}}</ref><ref name="jpost4">{{cite news|url=http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=234417|title=Counter-terror officer killed by terrorist fire near Eilat|publisher=[[The Jerusalem Post]]|date=August 19, 2011|accessdate=August 19, 2011}}</ref> The [[Israel Defense Forces|Israeli security forces]] reported eight attackers killed, and Egyptian security forces reported killing another two.<ref name="haaretz1"/>


In July 2012, IDF intelligence chief [[Aviv Kochavi]] said that the IDF has stopped nearly a dozen recent attacks from the Sinai Peninsula.<ref name="MI Chief">{{cite web | url=http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=277781 | title=MI chief: Nearly dozen recent Sinai attacks thwarted | publisher=The Jerusalem Post | date=17 July 2012 | accessdate=6 August 2012 | author=Harkov, Lahav}}</ref>
In July 2012, IDF intelligence chief [[Aviv Kochavi]] said that the IDF has stopped nearly a dozen recent attacks from the Sinai Peninsula.<ref name="MI Chief">{{cite web | url=http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=277781 | title=MI chief: Nearly dozen recent Sinai attacks thwarted | publisher=The Jerusalem Post | date=17 July 2012 | accessdate=6 August 2012 | author=Lahav Harkov}}</ref>


In early August 2012, Israel's National Security Council’s counter-terrorism bureau renewed its travel advisory against visiting the Sinai Peninsula, due to information on potential terrorist attacks against tourists, including kidnappings.<ref name="IDF renews">{{cite web | url=http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=279897 | title=Israel renews Sinai travel advisory amid threats | publisher=The Jerusalem Post | date=2 August 2012 | accessdate=6 August 2012 | author=Dayan, Yoni}}</ref>
In early August 2012, Israel's National Security Council’s counter-terrorism bureau renewed its travel advisory against visiting the Sinai Peninsula, due to information on potential terrorist attacks against tourists, including kidnappings.<ref name="IDF renews">{{cite web | url=http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=279897 | title=Israel renews Sinai travel advisory amid threats | publisher=The Jerusalem Post | date=2 August 2012 | accessdate=6 August 2012 | author=Yoni Dayan}}</ref>


The first tip about the 2012 August attack arrived in Israel over the weekend before the attack, but it was vague, unclear, and did not have details on the time, place, target, or type of attack. Other indicators also set off alarms in the intelligence division of the IDF Southern Command, and OC Southern Command Maj.-Gen. Tal Russo had to prepare his troop for an attack that he did not know when would take place. Russo evacuated soldiers from borderline positions near the [[Kerem Shalom Crossing]], which is where the terrorists would infiltrate Israel, out of fear that these soldiers would come under attack.<ref name="Blow by blow">{{cite web | url=http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=280295 | title=The Sinai attack: Blow by blow | publisher=The Jerusalem Post | date=6 August 2012 | accessdate=6 August 2012 | author=Katz, Yaakov}}</ref>
The first tip about the 2012 August attack arrived in Israel over the weekend before the attack, but it was vague, unclear, and did not have details on the time, place, target, or type of attack. Other indicators also set off alarms in the intelligence division of the IDF Southern Command, and OC Southern Command Maj.-Gen. Tal Russo had to prepare his troop for an attack that he did not know when would take place. Russo evacuated soldiers from borderline positions near the [[Kerem Shalom Crossing]], which is where the terrorists would infiltrate Israel, out of fear that these soldiers would come under attack.<ref name="Blow by blow">{{cite web | url=http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=280295 | title=The Sinai attack: Blow by blow | publisher=The Jerusalem Post | date=6 August 2012 | accessdate=6 August 2012 | author=Yaakov Katz}}</ref>


== Attack ==
== Attack ==
Attackers approached an Egyptian military base in the Sinai Peninsula in three [[Land Rovers]] at sundown, during the [[iftar]] meal which breaks the day's fast during the Muslim month of [[Ramadan]], and succeeded in taking control of the base while the soldiers were sitting down for the iftar meal.<ref name=NYT /><ref name="Blow by blow">{{cite web | url=http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=280295 | title=The Sinai attack: Blow by blow | publisher=The Jerusalem Post | date=6 August 2012 | accessdate=6 August 2012 | author=Katz, Yaakov}}</ref> The attackers were dressed as [[bedouin]] and attacked with guns and [[rocket-propelled grenade]]s.<ref name=AJ /> Egypt has said that 35 terrorists took part in this ambush on the Egyptian base.<ref name="Watch IAF" />
Attackers approached an Egyptian military base in the Sinai Peninsula in three [[Land Rovers]] at sundown, during the [[iftar]] meal which breaks the day's fast during the Muslim month of [[Ramadan]], and succeeded in taking control of the base while the soldiers were sitting down for the iftar meal.<ref name=NYT /><ref name="Blow by blow">{{cite web | url=http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=280295 | title=The Sinai attack: Blow by blow | publisher=The Jerusalem Post | date=6 August 2012 | accessdate=6 August 2012 | author=Yaakov Katz}}</ref> The attackers were dressed as [[bedouin]] and attacked with guns and [[rocket-propelled grenade]]s.<ref name=AJ /> Egypt has said that 35 terrorists took part in this ambush on the Egyptian base.<ref name="Watch IAF" />


After firing on the police, the gunmen commandeered two armored jeeps and attempted to break through the [[Kerem Shalom]] checkpoint into Israel. One of the jeeps was driven into the checkpoint, where it exploded, apparently booby-trapped.<ref name=JP /> The other vehicle, an armored vehicle, crossed the border into Israel and drove about 2 km, before the [[Israeli Air Force]] destroyed it. Some of the gunmen managed to escape the wreckage; they then exchanged fire with Israeli troops.<ref name=NYT>{{cite web |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/06/world/middleeast/gunmen-storm-egyptian-base-killing-15-soldiers.html?_r=1&hp&pagewanted=all |title=Gunmen Kill 15 and Steal Vehicle in Attack on Egypt Base |author=Kareem Fahim and Mayy El Sheikh |date=5 August 2012 |work=The New York Times |accessdate=6 August 2012}}</ref><ref name=JP/> Israeli soldiers had been previously warned of an impending attack and had recently increased patrols to the area.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/158630#.UB9dl01lS18 |title=IDF Knew Sinai Attack Was Imminent, Prevented Disaster |author=Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu |date=6 August 2012 |publisher=Arutz Sheva |accessdate=6 August 2012}}</ref> Arab [[Bedouin]] troops of the Israel Defense Forces were instrumental in reconnaissance and thwarting the attack.<ref name="Walla Bedouin">{{cite web | url=http://news.walla.co.il/?w=%2F551%2F2555999 | title=המג"ד שפיקד על סיכול הפיגוע קיבל צל"ש ב-2008 | publisher=Walla | date=6 August 2012 | accessdate=6 August 2012 | author=Bochbot, Amir}}</ref>
After firing on the police, the gunmen commandeered two armored jeeps and attempted to break through the [[Kerem Shalom]] checkpoint into Israel. One of the jeeps was driven into the checkpoint, where it exploded, apparently booby-trapped.<ref name=JP /> The other vehicle, an armored vehicle, crossed the border into Israel and drove about 2 km, before the [[Israeli Air Force]] destroyed it. Some of the gunmen managed to escape the wreckage; they then exchanged fire with Israeli troops.<ref name=NYT>{{cite web |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/06/world/middleeast/gunmen-storm-egyptian-base-killing-15-soldiers.html?_r=1&hp&pagewanted=all |title=Gunmen Kill 15 and Steal Vehicle in Attack on Egypt Base |author=Kareem Fahim and Mayy El Sheikh |date=5 August 2012 |work=The New York Times |accessdate=6 August 2012}}</ref><ref name=JP/> Israeli soldiers had been previously warned of an impending attack and had recently increased patrols to the area.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/158630#.UB9dl01lS18 |title=IDF Knew Sinai Attack Was Imminent, Prevented Disaster |author=Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu |date=6 August 2012 |publisher=Arutz Sheva |accessdate=6 August 2012}}</ref> Arab [[Bedouin]] troops of the Israel Defense Forces were instrumental in reconnaissance and thwarting the attack.<ref name="Walla Bedouin">{{cite web | url=http://news.walla.co.il/?w=%2F551%2F2555999 | title=המג"ד שפיקד על סיכול הפיגוע קיבל צל"ש ב-2008 | publisher=Walla | date=6 August 2012 | accessdate=6 August 2012 | author=Amir Bochbot}}</ref>


The remaining terrorists tried to escape back to the Gaza Strip, but were prevented from doing so by Egyptian army forces.<ref name="TakeGaza" />
The remaining terrorists tried to escape back to the Gaza Strip, but were prevented from doing so by Egyptian army forces.<ref name="TakeGaza" />
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President [[Mohamed Morsi]] called it a "vicious attack" and stated that "those behind the attacks will pay a high price as well as those who have been co-operating with those attackers, be it those inside or anywhere in Egypt."<ref name=AJ /> Morsi's party, the [[Muslim Brotherhood]], released a statement calling on the government to "confront this serious challenge to the Egyptian sovereignty and to protect Sinai from all armed groups."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2012/08/05/egypt-attack-gaza.html |title=Attack on Egyptian border post kills 16 guards |date=5 August 2012 |publisher=CBC News |agency=Associated Press |accessdate=6 August 2012}}</ref> On 6 August, the military deployed two helicopter gunships to Sinai to search for remaining members of the group and reported that more aircraft were on the way. The army also arrested several suspects and confiscated vehicles without license plates.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4265179,00.html |title=After attack, Egypt sends helicopter gunships to Sinai |author=Ilana Curiel |date=6 August 2012 |agency=Associated Press |publisher=ynetnews.com |accessdate=6 August 2012}}</ref>
President [[Mohamed Morsi]] called it a "vicious attack" and stated that "those behind the attacks will pay a high price as well as those who have been co-operating with those attackers, be it those inside or anywhere in Egypt."<ref name=AJ /> Morsi's party, the [[Muslim Brotherhood]], released a statement calling on the government to "confront this serious challenge to the Egyptian sovereignty and to protect Sinai from all armed groups."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2012/08/05/egypt-attack-gaza.html |title=Attack on Egyptian border post kills 16 guards |date=5 August 2012 |publisher=CBC News |agency=Associated Press |accessdate=6 August 2012}}</ref> On 6 August, the military deployed two helicopter gunships to Sinai to search for remaining members of the group and reported that more aircraft were on the way. The army also arrested several suspects and confiscated vehicles without license plates.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4265179,00.html |title=After attack, Egypt sends helicopter gunships to Sinai |author=Ilana Curiel |date=6 August 2012 |agency=Associated Press |publisher=ynetnews.com |accessdate=6 August 2012}}</ref>


Egyptian daily al-Youm al-Saba'a quoted a senior security official as saying that the attack was perpetrated by Islamic Jihad terrorists from Gaza, as well as global jihad terrorists in Egypt.<ref name="TakeGaza">{{cite news |url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4264947,00.html |title=Egypt hunts Sinai terrorists; 'we'll strike Gaza if needed' |author=Kais, Roi |date=6 August 2012 | publisher=Yedioth Ahronot |accessdate=6 August 2012}}</ref>
Egyptian daily al-Youm al-Saba'a quoted a senior security official as saying that the attack was perpetrated by Islamic Jihad terrorists from Gaza, as well as global jihad terrorists in Egypt.<ref name="TakeGaza">{{cite news |url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4264947,00.html |title=Egypt hunts Sinai terrorists; 'we'll strike Gaza if needed' |author=Roi Kais|date=6 August 2012 | publisher=Yedioth Ahronot |accessdate=6 August 2012}}</ref>


Israeli officials described the attack as a plot to abduct an Israeli soldier.{{citation needed}} Defense Minister [[Ehud Barak]] said that the attack showed the need for "determined Egyptian action" against terrorism in Sinai,<ref name=USAT /> while [[Prime Minsiter of Israel|Prime Minister]] [[Benjamin Netanyahu]] expressed "regret" over the deaths and hope that that incident would be a "wake-up call" to Egyptian forces.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/49733/World/Region/Israel-PM-regrets-Egypt-attack-deaths.aspx |title=Israel PM regrets Egypt attack deaths |date=6 April 2012 |agency=Agence France-Presse |work=Ahram |accessdate=6 August 2012}}</ref> Hamas condemned it as an "ugly crime" and offered condolences to Egypt.<ref name=AJ /> However, a Hamas official also condemned Egypt's decision to shut the Rafah crossing, describing it as "collective punishment". Palestinian security officials stated concern that the attack could worsen relations between Egypt and the Gaza Strip government, and suggested that for this reason Israeli forces might have been behind the assault.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=280273 |title=Palestinians fear deterioration in Egypt ties after attack |author=Khaled Abu Tomah |date=6 August 2012 |work=The Jerusalem Post |accessdate=6 August 2012}}</ref> They also expressed worry that Egypt might retaliate with the large military force deployed to the region.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4265253,00.html |title=Hamas wary of Egyptian op following Sinai attack |author=Ellor Levy |date=6 August 2012 |publisher=ynetnews.com |accessdate=6 August 2012}}</ref>
Israeli officials described the attack as a plot to abduct an Israeli soldier.{{citation needed}} Defense Minister [[Ehud Barak]] said that the attack showed the need for "determined Egyptian action" against terrorism in Sinai,<ref name=USAT /> while [[Prime Minsiter of Israel|Prime Minister]] [[Benjamin Netanyahu]] expressed "regret" over the deaths and hope that that incident would be a "wake-up call" to Egyptian forces.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/49733/World/Region/Israel-PM-regrets-Egypt-attack-deaths.aspx |title=Israel PM regrets Egypt attack deaths |date=6 April 2012 |agency=Agence France-Presse |work=Ahram |accessdate=6 August 2012}}</ref> Hamas condemned it as an "ugly crime" and offered condolences to Egypt.<ref name=AJ /> However, a Hamas official also condemned Egypt's decision to shut the Rafah crossing, describing it as "collective punishment". Palestinian security officials stated concern that the attack could worsen relations between Egypt and the Gaza Strip government, and suggested that for this reason Israeli forces might have been behind the assault.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=280273 |title=Palestinians fear deterioration in Egypt ties after attack |author=Khaled Abu Tomah |date=6 August 2012 |work=The Jerusalem Post |accessdate=6 August 2012}}</ref> They also expressed worry that Egypt might retaliate with the large military force deployed to the region.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4265253,00.html |title=Hamas wary of Egyptian op following Sinai attack |author=Ellor Levy |date=6 August 2012 |publisher=ynetnews.com |accessdate=6 August 2012}}</ref>

Revision as of 22:11, 6 August 2012

2012 Egyptian–Israeli border attack
Part of Arab–Israeli conflict

LocationSinai Peninsula, Kerem Shalom border crossing near Southern Israel
Coordinates29°30′N 33°50′E / 29.500°N 33.833°E / 29.500; 33.833
Date5 August 2012 (2012-08-05)
TargetEgyptian police checkpoints
WeaponsRocket-propelled grenades, armored cars[1][2]
Deaths24 - 8 gunmen,[3][1]16 Egyptian soldiers[4][5] [6]
Injured7[7]
No. of participants
Unknown
MotiveUnknown

The 2012 Egyptian-Israeli border attack occurred on 5 August 2012, when armed terrorists ambushed an Egyptian military base in the Sinai Peninsula, killing 16 Egyptian soldiers and stealing two Egyptian army jeeps, and then infiltrated into Israel. The terrorists rammed through the Kerem Shalom border crossing in Israel, while one of the vehicles exploded. The terrorists then engaged in a firefight with soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces, and six terrorists were killed during the firefight. No one was injured in Israel.

The attack led to sharp condemnations from Israeli and Egyptian authorities. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expresses his condolences for the murdered Egyptian soldiers, and praised the IDF troops for their preparedness and handling of the attack. Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak warned that this should be a "wake up call" for Egypt in dealing with terrorists in the Sinai Peninsula, while Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi vowed to retake the Sinai Peninsula and strike the Gaza Strip, where the terrorists may have originated, if necessary.

Background

Following the 2011 Egyptian revolution, militant organizations increased their activity in the Sinai Peninsula, and some Al-Qaeda-linked groups were established as well.[8]

There have been frequent attacks and bombings of gas pipelines to Israel (and Jordan) in the Sinai Peninsula from these groups. As of July 2012, the gas pipelines have been bombed 15 times since the 2011 uprising.[9]

In August 2011, a series of cross-border attacks were carried out in southern Israel on Highway 12 near the Egyptian border via the Sinai Peninsula.[10] The terrorists opened fire on an Egged No. 392 bus near Eilat,[11][12] and soon thereafter, a bomb was detonated next to an Israeli army patrol along the Egypt-Israel border. A third attack occured when an anti-tank missile hit a private vehicle, killing four civilians.[13] Eight Israelis – six civilians, one Yamam special Unit police officer and one Golani Brigade soldier—were killed during the multi-pronged attack.[14][15] The Israeli security forces reported eight attackers killed, and Egyptian security forces reported killing another two.[10]

In July 2012, IDF intelligence chief Aviv Kochavi said that the IDF has stopped nearly a dozen recent attacks from the Sinai Peninsula.[16]

In early August 2012, Israel's National Security Council’s counter-terrorism bureau renewed its travel advisory against visiting the Sinai Peninsula, due to information on potential terrorist attacks against tourists, including kidnappings.[17]

The first tip about the 2012 August attack arrived in Israel over the weekend before the attack, but it was vague, unclear, and did not have details on the time, place, target, or type of attack. Other indicators also set off alarms in the intelligence division of the IDF Southern Command, and OC Southern Command Maj.-Gen. Tal Russo had to prepare his troop for an attack that he did not know when would take place. Russo evacuated soldiers from borderline positions near the Kerem Shalom Crossing, which is where the terrorists would infiltrate Israel, out of fear that these soldiers would come under attack.[18]

Attack

Attackers approached an Egyptian military base in the Sinai Peninsula in three Land Rovers at sundown, during the iftar meal which breaks the day's fast during the Muslim month of Ramadan, and succeeded in taking control of the base while the soldiers were sitting down for the iftar meal.[19][18] The attackers were dressed as bedouin and attacked with guns and rocket-propelled grenades.[1] Egypt has said that 35 terrorists took part in this ambush on the Egyptian base.[6]

After firing on the police, the gunmen commandeered two armored jeeps and attempted to break through the Kerem Shalom checkpoint into Israel. One of the jeeps was driven into the checkpoint, where it exploded, apparently booby-trapped.[2] The other vehicle, an armored vehicle, crossed the border into Israel and drove about 2 km, before the Israeli Air Force destroyed it. Some of the gunmen managed to escape the wreckage; they then exchanged fire with Israeli troops.[19][2] Israeli soldiers had been previously warned of an impending attack and had recently increased patrols to the area.[20] Arab Bedouin troops of the Israel Defense Forces were instrumental in reconnaissance and thwarting the attack.[21]

The remaining terrorists tried to escape back to the Gaza Strip, but were prevented from doing so by Egyptian army forces.[22]

Sixteen Egyptian police officers were killed in the raid, as well as an unspecified number of the attackers.[1] Seven more police officers were wounded.[7] The Israeli Army later reported it had found the bodies of five gunmen from the raid,[3] while Egyptian authorities reported that they had the bodies of at least three gunmen.[1]

Reactions

Responsibility for the attack was initially unclear, as no group claimed responsibility.[19] Egyptian state television stated that the attackers were foreign Islamist militants.[1] Following the attack, the Egyptian government closed the Rafah Border Crossing to the Gaza Strip, and the Palestinian group Hamas announced the closing of all tunnels to Egypt.[1] Israeli residents of the Eshkol Region were instructed to stay in their homes as soldiers searched the area for remaining attackers.[2]

President Mohamed Morsi called it a "vicious attack" and stated that "those behind the attacks will pay a high price as well as those who have been co-operating with those attackers, be it those inside or anywhere in Egypt."[1] Morsi's party, the Muslim Brotherhood, released a statement calling on the government to "confront this serious challenge to the Egyptian sovereignty and to protect Sinai from all armed groups."[23] On 6 August, the military deployed two helicopter gunships to Sinai to search for remaining members of the group and reported that more aircraft were on the way. The army also arrested several suspects and confiscated vehicles without license plates.[24]

Egyptian daily al-Youm al-Saba'a quoted a senior security official as saying that the attack was perpetrated by Islamic Jihad terrorists from Gaza, as well as global jihad terrorists in Egypt.[22]

Israeli officials described the attack as a plot to abduct an Israeli soldier.[citation needed] Defense Minister Ehud Barak said that the attack showed the need for "determined Egyptian action" against terrorism in Sinai,[7] while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed "regret" over the deaths and hope that that incident would be a "wake-up call" to Egyptian forces.[25] Hamas condemned it as an "ugly crime" and offered condolences to Egypt.[1] However, a Hamas official also condemned Egypt's decision to shut the Rafah crossing, describing it as "collective punishment". Palestinian security officials stated concern that the attack could worsen relations between Egypt and the Gaza Strip government, and suggested that for this reason Israeli forces might have been behind the assault.[26] They also expressed worry that Egypt might retaliate with the large military force deployed to the region.[27]

The New York Times and BBC News described the attack as a sign that armed groups were continuing to grow in power in the Sinai region, which was "slipping from [Egypt]'s control".[19] Haaretz stated that the incident showed that Islamists had begun to target Egyptians along with Israelis.[28]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Egypt vows strong response to Sinai attack". Al Jazeera. 6 August 2012. Retrieved 6 August 2012.
  2. ^ a b c d Yaakov Katz (6 August 2012). "IDF thwarts complex terror infiltration from Sinai". The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 6 August 2012.
  3. ^ a b "Egypt Israel border attack leaves 'five gunmen dead'". BBC News. 6 August 2012. Retrieved 6 August 2012.
  4. ^ "Egypt military vows to hunt down Sinai attackers". Associated Press. 6 August 2012. Retrieved 6 August 2012.
  5. ^ Elhanan Miller (6 August 2012). "Egypt rues fatal unpreparedness for Sunday's terror attack, as ex-MP charges Israeli collusion". The Times of Israel. Retrieved 6 August 2012.
  6. ^ a b Yoav Zitun (6 August 2012). "Watch: IAF strikes Sinai terror cell". Yedioth Ahronot. Retrieved 6 August 2012.
  7. ^ a b c "15 Egyptian guards killed at Sinai border crossing". USA Today. Associated Press. 5 August 2012. Retrieved 6 August 2012.
  8. ^ Officials: Egypt to target al Qaeda cells said to be training in Sinai – CNN
  9. ^ Ashgan Harb (22 July 2012). "Gas pipeline in Sinai bombed for 15th time since revolution started". Egypt Independent. Retrieved 6 August 2012.
  10. ^ a b Issacharoff, Avi. "Report: Three Egyptians took part in terrorist attacks on southern Israel". Haaretz.
  11. ^ "Israeli airstrikes target Gaza after multiple attacks –". CNN. August 19, 2011. Retrieved August 20, 2011.
  12. ^ "Israel launches strikes on Gaza after attacks". Al Jazeera English. August 19, 2011. Retrieved August 21, 2011.
  13. ^ "Additional shooting attack north of Eilat, one injured". The Jerusalem Post. August 18, 2011. Retrieved August 18, 2011.
  14. ^ Yaakov Katz (August 18, 2011). "Israel kills PRC leadership in Gaza airstrike". The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved August 18, 2011.
  15. ^ "Counter-terror officer killed by terrorist fire near Eilat". The Jerusalem Post. August 19, 2011. Retrieved August 19, 2011.
  16. ^ Lahav Harkov (17 July 2012). "MI chief: Nearly dozen recent Sinai attacks thwarted". The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 6 August 2012.
  17. ^ Yoni Dayan (2 August 2012). "Israel renews Sinai travel advisory amid threats". The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 6 August 2012.
  18. ^ a b Yaakov Katz (6 August 2012). "The Sinai attack: Blow by blow". The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 6 August 2012.
  19. ^ a b c d Kareem Fahim and Mayy El Sheikh (5 August 2012). "Gunmen Kill 15 and Steal Vehicle in Attack on Egypt Base". The New York Times. Retrieved 6 August 2012.
  20. ^ Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu (6 August 2012). "IDF Knew Sinai Attack Was Imminent, Prevented Disaster". Arutz Sheva. Retrieved 6 August 2012.
  21. ^ Amir Bochbot (6 August 2012). "המג"ד שפיקד על סיכול הפיגוע קיבל צל"ש ב-2008". Walla. Retrieved 6 August 2012.
  22. ^ a b Roi Kais (6 August 2012). "Egypt hunts Sinai terrorists; 'we'll strike Gaza if needed'". Yedioth Ahronot. Retrieved 6 August 2012.
  23. ^ "Attack on Egyptian border post kills 16 guards". CBC News. Associated Press. 5 August 2012. Retrieved 6 August 2012.
  24. ^ Ilana Curiel (6 August 2012). "After attack, Egypt sends helicopter gunships to Sinai". ynetnews.com. Associated Press. Retrieved 6 August 2012.
  25. ^ "Israel PM regrets Egypt attack deaths". Ahram. Agence France-Presse. 6 April 2012. Retrieved 6 August 2012.
  26. ^ Khaled Abu Tomah (6 August 2012). "Palestinians fear deterioration in Egypt ties after attack". The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 6 August 2012.
  27. ^ Ellor Levy (6 August 2012). "Hamas wary of Egyptian op following Sinai attack". ynetnews.com. Retrieved 6 August 2012.
  28. ^ Amos Harel and Avi Issacharoff (6 August 2012). "Sinai attack proves Islamist terrorists are targeting Egyptians as well as Israelis". Haaretz. Retrieved 6 August 2012.
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