Egyptian military launches campaign against illegal gold mining

The Egyptian Armed Forces have announced the launch of the third phase of a large-scale campaign to combat illegal gold mining in the country’s Eastern Desert. The military stated that law enforcement elements from the armed forces and civil police are working to assert sovereignty and protect national resources following the distribution of warning leaflets to criminal elements.

This operation follows reports and social media footage suggesting that Sudanese miners were targeted by airstrikes in the border region between Egypt and Sudan. In response, Sudan’s Transitional Sovereignty Council has formed a fact-finding committee, including representatives from the public prosecution and security agencies, to investigate the circumstances of the incident that resulted in the deaths of several Sudanese miners.

The Sudanese Council emphasized that protecting the lives and dignity of its citizens is a fundamental state responsibility and noted that leadership in both countries is in communication to clarify the facts. Meanwhile, the Egyptian military stressed the deep political and popular ties between the Egyptian and Sudanese peoples, urging citizens to rely on official sources and avoid rumors intended to destabilize bilateral relations.