Egypt's government issues statement on anti-militants plan in North Sinai

The government issued on Monday a statement on the comprehensive state plan to combat terror in North Sinai.

Citing waves of terrorist attacks in the cities of Arish, Sheikh Zuwaid and Rafah, the cabinet asserted commitment to enforce rule of law to uproot terrorism in this vital region.

The plan takes into consideration related Egyptian laws and rules and Egyptian commitments under the international law on human rights, said the statement.

The plan is based on:

- Offering urgent humanitarian aid to local residents affected in security operations.

- Introducing a precise system for compensations to affected people.

- Ensuring a comprehensive medical insurance and upgrading hospitals to serve residents.

- Governmental keenness on providing complete protection of the right of security and peace of citizens.

- Using a precise information system before anti-terror operations.

- Making sure that residents would not leave their residential areas during operations.

- Abiding by not opening fire at targets until troops come under attack.

As for the state rule and right to secure borders, the statement said a presidential decree was issued in 2014, declaring emergency state in a specific area west of Arish.

Locals had been consulted on the way to pay compensations for those affected by operations in this area which ranges to the border with the Gaza Strip.

Most of them preferred financial compensation in exchange for their property and lands which they left in this area due to the security operations, said the statement.

Others wanted alternative houses and lands in new cities, it said, adding that a committee had been formed to pay compensations for them.

All relevant measures were taken in coordination with residents.

The state exerts efforts to improve living conditions for local residents, said the statement.

All strategic commodities are provided, including aid to remote communities, added the statement.

Source: MENA