The army and security forces have restored calm to the North Sinai governorate following protests and armed attacks in the region. Activists have launched a campaign encouraging cooperation with the security forces.
The North Sinai governorate, including the city of Al-Arish, was calm on Wednesday. The day before, unidentified gunmen had opened fire on an inspector of the Ministry of the Interior.
The gunmen attacked Colonel Selim Gamal and stole his car, while he was inspecting a crime scene. Gamal was at the scene of a shooting which killed three policemen on Saturday on the bridge of Wadi Al-Arish.
Replacements have been found for Sinai police on strike, who left their posts at security headquarters and checkpoints on Sunday. The military has imposed escorts for potential targets and there is tight security around the governorate building, the security directorate, and police departments.
Elders from Sinai tribes said they are cooperating with security services to find the identity of those who shot at Gamal. They were assigned by the security to monitor their areas and take note of any suspicious activity.
Sheikh Abdullah Jahama, president of the “Mujahideen” group in the Sinai, and chiefs of the Tarabin tribe, stressed the need for cooperation from all interested parties before it is too late. They said President Mohamed Morsy needs to take action to change the security situation and restore order.
Activists in northern Sinai are campaigning for cooperation with the security forces to track down the unknown gunmen. The campaigners urged parents to exercise caution in their cars and homes to prevent further attacks. They have also called for people to alert the security of any suspicious vehicles and put aside any personal differences and tensions. The activists have asked rental property owners not to deal with suspicious or strange people and to provide the security forces with any information they have as soon as possible.
Additional reporting by Joel Gulhane
