Operation Sinai 2018: Egypt’s military hammers militants before election

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From the air, sea and land, the Egyptian Armed Forces unleashed all their might. Since Friday, new pieces of military hardware have been used to launch continuous attacks against militant hideouts and weapons warehouses, in what has been branded “Operation Sinai 2018.”

Read more about the operation: Egypt launches major assault on militants ahead of election

Sixty-six targets, arms depots, SUVs and motorbikes used by militants were destroyed in raids focused mainly in Sinai, but also in the Nile Delta and the western desert, according to a statement by the army carried on state TV.

The operation comes less than two months before the presidential elections in March. Officials are calling this their biggest military operation against terrorism.

"Since 2011, we’ve witnessed many military operations against terrorism. This, however, is the first comprehensive operation," according to Salah Al Balouk, a political analyst with Al Watan News. "It’s like a state of war, real war."

Smoke billows on the Egyptian side of the border following an explosion in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, February 10, 2018 . /VCG Photo

The army says it is a nationwide military operation focusing on Central and Northern Sinai, which are strongholds for militant groups such as ISIL.

Al Balouk says 70 days have passed since President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi ordered a 90-day deadline for the termination of terrorism in Sinai.

"The operation is also a response to all those who claimed that the Egyptian government doesn't want or can’t eradicate terrorism. For almost two-thirds of the deadline, the army has been gathering information so it can avoid civilian injuries."

On Sunday morning, the military said 66 militant hideouts have been targeted, 14 gunmen killed and 34 suspects arrested. Additionally, 12 explosive devices were found and diffused, according to the military.

With the presidential election just weeks away, some critics see Operation Sinai 2018 as a government propaganda effort. Security analysts argue it aims to secure the election.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is seeking re-election in March, and has been rallying supporters through a campaign titled “Alashan Tabneeha” (So You Can Build It). /VCG Photo‍

President Sisi, who is seeking re-election in March, ordered the armed forces in November to defeat militants within three months after an attack on a mosque killed more than 300 people, the deadliest such incident in Arab world's most populous country.

Islamist insurgents have been targeting security forces since 2013 when the army, then led by Sisi as army chief, ousted President Mohamed Mursi of the Muslim Brotherhood following mass protests against his rule.

In any case, experts agree that the military operation must be followed by comprehensive development in Sinai, a crucial step to put a real end to the insurgency.

(With input from Reuters)