The National Defense Council, under Abdel Fattah El Sisi, agreed on Thursday to extend the mandate of the Armed Forces in the Gulf and Bab al Mandab for one year.

This came at a meeting presided over by the president and attended by the speaker of the House of Representatives, the prime minister, ministers of defense, finance and the interior, chief of staff of the armed forces, head of the general intelligence, heads of the main army branches, the army's operations authority chief, and head of the military intelligence.

The meeting also tackled the security developments at home, including ongoing efforts to combat terrorism in Sinai and the progress achieved on this track.

It also addressed the latest regional developments in light of current challenges and security threats against the Arab nations.

The Armed Forces' mandate was extended for one year or until they accomplish their tasks, according to the decision.

Source: MENA