Egyptian military continues third phase of campaign against illegal gold mining in the Eastern Desert

Egyptian armed forces and police continued the third phase of a campaign against illegal gold mining in the Eastern Desert after issuing warning leaflets.

• Egyptian armed forces and civil police have continued the third phase of a campaign against illegal gold ore mining in the Eastern Desert.
• Military spokesman Colonel Ahmed Atman said the operation follows the dropping of warning leaflets and aims to impose full sovereignty and protect national wealth.
• The armed forces called on citizens of the Nile Valley to rely on official sources and ignore misleading rumors and external agendas targeting Egyptian-Sudanese relations.
• Military Academy adviser Hisham al-Halabi said the operation reflects the state's determination to assert sovereignty and protect national wealth.
• The campaign is part of a broader wave also targeting illegal migration, drugs, and weapons, following similar operations in July and August.
• Authorities stressed the operation is legal, not aimed at any nationality, and supports gold mine development and foreign investment.
• Military expert Brigadier General Samir Ragheb said security campaigns against illegal gold mining will not stop, describing the operation as the third of its kind.
• Ragheb said seizures included equipment worth millions of pounds and individuals of various nationalities, including Sudanese and Somalis, some of whom were deported.
• He denied reports of operations beyond Egyptian borders and urged Sudanese citizens not to be swayed by rumors.