A police officer, policeman, and six soldiers lost their lives today, 5 June, in a dawn shootout between Jihadi terrorists and Egyptian security forces. A statement by the Ministry of Interior said that five of the terrorists died in the shootout which took place south of the city of al-Arish in North Sinai.
The terrorists attacked the checkpoint as Muslims prepared for the dawn prayers that mark the beginning of Eid al-Fitr, the feast that comes at the end of the Muslim holy month of fasting, Ramadan.
No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.
Security forces are searching for remaining terrorists involved in the attack.
Coming at the first hours of Eid al-Fitr Feast, the deaths especially pained Egyptians.
A message posted on Facebook by the martyred police Captain Omar Ibrahim al-Qadi when he realised he was dying went viral on social media.
Captain Qady wrote: “I have been hit by three bullets; my wounds are severe; it’s obvious I’m dying. My brave friends, tell my mother not to grieve for me; I die a [brave] man. My brave friends, take care of my mother … Pray for me … I testify that there is no god but Allah, and that Muhammad is his prophet.”
Captain Qady graduated from the Police Academy in 2017, and was the breadwinner of the family since his father died in 2015. He is said to have fought courageously till his ammunition ran out.
Watani International
5 June 2019