Clashes in Sinai between security forces and suspects

News reports said that clashes took place on Friday between the Egyptian security forces and several suspects in their involvement in Taba explosions to the central and southern parts of Sinai. The clashes resulted in casualties between the two sides including 8 security men.

Meantime, President Hosni Mubatrak stressed on Thursday that his country has succeeded in "fighting terrorism" since the occurrence of Sinai explosions.

In a televised speech broadcast on Thursday Mubarak said "Egypt has succeeded in confronting and containing the terrorism phenomenon and in ensuring a stable atmosphere and security for its people." In his speech, Mubarak talked about the explosions which took place on October 7th in Taba resort, noting that the "regrettable incident in Taba confirms the need of continued awareness."

Worthy mentioning that the security forces in Egypt on Tuesday killed one suspect believed to have had links to the explosions which claimed the lives of 34 persons in addition to the attackers. Other five suspects were arrested after the attacks took place.

Worthy mentioning that during the 1990s Egypt launched confrontations against what it called "Islamists extremists " and more specifically against the armed Islamists groups that resulted in killing 1200 persons.