On 11 January 2021, Sinai local sources reported that the Egyptian Armed Forces had arrested three Wilayat Sinai (WS) (AKA Islamic State in Sinai) militants in Bir al-Abd, in North Sinai.
The sources added that during security operations to eradicate terrorist elements in Bir al-Abd, the the Egyptian army seized a car carrying three WS militants, who reportedly had “dangerous” WS documents in their possession. The sources also added that the Egyptian army continues the sweeping operations amid reports that between 8 and 11 January 2021, at least two military officers and two soldiers were killed in WS attacks targeting Egyptian Armed Forces outposts and personnel.
A day before, other Sinai local sources reported that the Egyptian army killed a WS terrorist in the same area, adding that the individual was a leader in the militant group and had participated in several terrorist attacks against military and security forces. Tribal sources identified the militant as M. Al-Falastini (i.e. Palestinian) from Gaza, adding that he had entered Egypt through the tunnels between Gaza and Egypt.
Militant attacks against the Egyptian army and security forces have increased since two weeks, with the terrorists claiming at least two attacks daily. WS terrorists operate across North Sinai, especially along the coastal main road linking Rafah, east-north of Sinai with Ismailia, Suez Canal, west north Sinai.