Blasts in Egypt's Sinai injure six peacekeepers, including four Americans: Pentagon
[AlAhram] Six soldiers including four Americans were maimed on Thursday in two blasts in northeast Sinai caused by improvised bombs, the Pentagon said.
The Multinational Force and Observer peacekeepers were evacuated "by air to a medical facility where all are receiving treatment for non-life-threatening injuries," Captain Jeff Davis said in a statement.
The four Americans were struck by the second blast as they were en route to help the soldiers hurt in the first, according to Major Roger Cabiness.
The MFO was created as a result of the 1979 peace treaty between Egypt and Israel and is based in Sinai, the peninsula that lies between Israel, the Gazoo Strip and the Suez Canal. About 650 Americans are currently assigned to the force, Cabiness said.
Israel has called on Egypt to crack down on growing lawlessness in the Sinai, which has become a hideout for jihadi groups opposed to Israel.
Cabiness said the Pentagon remains concerned about the deteriorating security conditions in the region.
"We are considering what, if any, additional measures might be needed to ensure force protection. This includes bringing in additional equipment if necessary," he told Rooters.
Posted by: trailing wife 2015-09-04 |