Egypt’s President Goes on Firing Binge After Soldiers Are Killed
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AFP/Getty Images(CAIRO) — Egypt’s new president took drastic measures to establish his authority on Wednesday following the deaths earlier this week of 16 soldiers by militants in the province of North Sinai.
Mohamed Morsi’s office announced a series of firings, including Egypt’s intelligence chief and the heads of the military police and presidential guard. North Sinai’s governor was also relieved of his duties.
Sunday’s attack in the province was the deadliest the Egyptian army has suffered in decades. The militants involved in the attack also stole a truck and briefly entered Israeli territory.
Egypt’s military retaliated quickly, deploying troops, armored trucks and aircraft that launched strikes against suspected enemy targets.
Alleged terrorists from both Sinai and Gaza, who have grown bolder since former President Hosni Mubarak was deposed 18 months ago, were blamed for the assault on Egyptian soldiers. There were reports of 20 militants killed so far in the retaliatory operation.
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