Middle-east Arab News Opinion | Asharq Al-awsat

Egypt: Between ‘Lone Wolves’ against Copts and Foreigners, Targeting Police | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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A general view shows the Sunny Days El Palacio resort where a knife attack took place, in Hurghada, Egypt, July 15, 2017. (photo credit:REUTERS/MOHAMED ABD EL GHANY)


Cairo- During past days, the frequency of terrorist attacks witnessed a remarkable increase in Egypt from armed-attacks against the Egyptian police to attacks against Copts and foreigners with knives and razors.

Observers attributed the increase of terrorist activities to the possibility of some individuals – unfamiliar to security bodies- joining terrorist groups whether those known as “lone wolves” or those returning from regions where extremist groups were struck in Libya.

“The recent increase of extremism in Egypt serves the purpose of distracting Egyptian authorities through targeting several locations simultaneously, and as a response to Egypt’s latest stance towards terrorism and extremist organizations,” security experts told Asharq Al-Awsat.

Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and a number of states have cut ties with Qatar– Egypt says that the decision to boycott Doha was taken after the latter insisted on adopting a stance that opposes that of Arab states.

These attacks coincide with some challenges facing Egypt in the field of tourism, that was influenced by security threats and years of political turbulence since 2011.

Most terrorist groups communicate with the youths through the social network (Facebook, Twitter,..) to conduct terrorist operations individually in a strategy known as the “lone wolves”.

ISIS previously called on its followers through internet to carry out individual operations in their states without having to refer to the group’s leadership.

Observers see that risks of cyber crimes are represented in exchanging information on disturbing security, calling for acts of terrorism, violence and chaos as well as targeting policemen, army, justice and incitement against them in addition to training over making bombs.