‘Terror Cell on Way to Sinai’

Itamar Eichner

‘Terror Cell on Way to Sinai’

Security authorities say international terrorists plan to strike at Israeli tourists in Egypt using car bombs, suicide attackers; meanwhile, most travelers ignore harsh Counter-Terror Bureau warning

Ynet

2005-06-12

TEL AVIV – Terror threat repeated: International Islamic Jihad terror cells are planning to carry out a terror attack on Sinai tourist spots frequented by Israelis, according to intelligence information.

It is estimated the terror cells, which apparently are linked to al-Qaeda, will attempt to attack tourist hubs along Sinai’s beaches via truck or car bombs and suicide bombers.

More than 15,000 Israelis are currently visiting Sinai, despite a harsh travel warning issued by the Counter- Terrorism Bureau.

A bureau source told “Yedioth Ahronoth” the intelligence information is “serious and credible.”

“We recommend Israelis refrain from traveling to Sinai, and we suggest that those who are already there return home immediately,” the source said.

A security establishment source said the Egyptians are incapable of dealing with the Sinai terror threats.

“The Egyptians are acting against local terror groups, but they are not doing enough,” a source said. “It is irresponsible to allow Israelis to go to Sinai. They should not complain that we did not warn them.”

Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom said Israelis who enter Sinai are making a big mistake.

“The (travel) warning is based on solid intelligence information. The Foreign Ministry is in no hurry to issue such warnings, because we do not like it when such warnings are issued regarding Israel,” he said.