Sisi talks counter-terrorism efforts with SCAF

November 19th, 2015

Awake Goy

TCP : Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi met Wednesday the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces(SCAF) to discuss security measures on Egypt’s borders and fighting terrorism, following a call between him with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Youm7.

The meeting tackled the latest security developments, particularly in the Sinai were military campaigns have been carried out to eliminate terrorist hubs and bring stability and security, according to a statement from the SCAF.

“The President emphasized the importance of adopting the highest levels of caution, vigilance and combat readiness, given the critical situation and security challenges in the region, as well as to abhorrent attacks carried out by terrorist groups outside the Middle East. This requires strengthening security cooperation and concerted efforts by the international community through a comprehensive approach to eradicate terrorism and extremist thought,” the statement read.

The Council, presided by al-Sisi, also discussed means of enhancing security along Egypt’s western borders and progress on military operations and the overall situations in Yemen and Syria.

“President Sisi reiterated that Egypt will continue working to realize Arab unity and stand alongside Arab countries,” the statement continued.

Sisi’s meeting came after a phone call with President Putin, talking both courtiers’ efforts to fight terrorism and cooperation on all stages of the investigation to “uncover the circumstances and details surrounding the crash,” said Presidential Alaa Youssef in a statement Wednesday.

On Oct. 31, Russian Airbus A321, carrying 224 passengers and crew, crashed in Central Sinai about 23 minutes after it took off from Sharm el-Sheikh Airport. The U.K. and U.S. have stated that the plane was downed by a terrorist act, however both Egyptian and Russian authorities previously denied such remarks pending the final results of the investigation committee.

Following the plane crash, an Islamic state affiliate in Egypt claimed its responsibility for downing the plane, as revenge for Russian strikes on the Islamic State group in Syria.

President Sisi also met Wednesday with Minister of Military Production Mohamed Saeed al-Assar, reviewing the strategy of meeting all weapon and ammunition demands for the Armed Forces.

The Cairo Post