The Armed Forces, backed by about 50 tanks and armored vehicles, have regained control on the area surrounding a Multinational Force and Observers camp in North Sinai, German news agency DPA reported Saturday. Egyptian forces were deployed in the area of Jura, east of Arish, after gunmen stormed the camp Friday.
One of the camp workers told the agency that last night's clashes resulted in the injuries of four Fijian members of the force and the burning of a fire truck. The injured Fijian members were given first aid inside the camp. who were offered First Aid inside the camp.
Protesters had earlier set fire to a security tower belonging to the Multinational Force and Observers in North Sinai and raised a black flag with the inscription "No God but Allah," perhaps to express rejection of an anti-Islam film produced in the US.
The incident was preceded with clashes between protesters and MFO operatives, leading to one injured man. Fire was exchanged between the two parties, while protesters demanded that the Force be expelled.
Protests have been ongoing since Tuesday in the vicinity of the American University in Cairo against the film, which was produced in the US.
The MFO in Sinai is mandated with observing the 1979 peace treaty between Egypt and Israel. The force includes members from 11 countries, including the US. Ten peacekeepers in the force were kidnapped by Bedouin tribesmen to pressure the government to release their detained relatives.
Sinai has been home to several armed operations, allegedly perpetrated by Islamist groups. Last month, an attack on a checkpoint caused the death of 16 Egyptian soldiers.
