ISIS Establishes Crucial Ally

Thousands of families have been relocated to eliminate
 cover for any potential tunnels between Egypt and Gaza.

       It appears that ISIS has a new residency in Egypt according to a message posted Sunday.  The group is a Sinai-based militant group Ansar Beit al-Maqdis (ABM).  If true, this would be the newest and most dangerous chapter in the book of the deadlies group in Egypt.  The group has killed hundreds of Egyptian police officers and soldiers, though the size of the group is still under suspicion, it is estimated that there are 700-1000 members.  Numerous checkpoints have been established in northern Sinai to prevent the movement of weapons and fighters.  A shoot-on-sight curfew goes into effect between Arish, the largest city in Sinai and Rafah, the border crossing with Gaza.

       What is even more interesting about this group is a little known detail of history.  Approximately two years ago, just previous to the overthrow of President Morsy, the group had been associated with al Qaeda.  If you go back in read my first blog it outlines more in general the silent on going war between ISIS and al Qaeda.  However, the group had previously proclaimed their allegiance to al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri.  In the circles of these extremist groups, this is one of the biggest faults that you could make.  However, later ABM refused any allegiance to al Qaeda.  I think that this could have a terrible impact on the Egyptian country itself.  As the country heavily relies on the tourism industry, it is becoming increasingly difficult to attract vacationers to their country.  Previously ABM was only targeting government officials, however now fears turn to civilians, foreigners and tourists.  The U.S. State Department will meet later this week to address and outline any precautions that will be necessary.

 William Deo

Adapted from:
http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/11/world/isis-egypt/index.html?iref=allsearch