The Egyptian army has dismantled an organised crime network accused of smuggling weapons and ammunition across the country’s southern border, the military said on Tuesday, as authorities step up efforts to secure remote desert areas.
Military spokesman Brig. Gen. Gharib Abdel Hafez said the operation followed intelligence indicating that the network was preparing to move weapons and ammunition into Egypt for distribution inside the country.
The group was also allegedly supplying criminal networks involved in illegal gold mining, the military said, highlighting the links authorities see between arms trafficking and illicit activity in Egypt’s remote southern regions.
Arms seized in desert operation
Army forces intercepted two suspected arms-smuggling operations in the desert west of Aswan province, according to a military statement.
The forces seized 24 firearms of various types, 49,211 rounds of ammunition in different calibres and a pickup truck, the statement said. Identity documents belonging to several foreign nationals were also recovered during the operation.
The military did not disclose the nationalities of the foreigners whose documents were found, nor did it provide details on whether any suspects had been arrested.
Authorities said the operation was carried out after intelligence identified preparations to transport the weapons across the southern frontier.
Egypt shares a long and largely remote border with Sudan and Libya, areas that have faced security challenges and cross-border criminal activity. The southern frontier also includes extensive desert terrain that can make monitoring and policing difficult.
Military pursues remaining suspects
The army said its forces were continuing operations to locate and apprehend other members of the alleged network.
The remaining suspects would face legal proceedings, the military said, without providing further details about possible charges.
Egyptian authorities have increasingly focused on border security as they seek to prevent the movement of weapons, ammunition and other illicit goods through remote areas.
The military said the latest operation formed part of wider efforts to strengthen security along Egypt’s borders and counter threats to national security.
The statement did not say where the weapons had originated or identify their intended final destinations.
The operation comes as Egyptian security agencies maintain pressure on organised criminal networks operating in border areas, particularly those linked to arms trafficking and illegal mining.
Officials have previously warned that the movement of weapons through remote desert routes can contribute to wider criminal activity and undermine security.
The army said it would continue efforts to disrupt smuggling networks and secure the country’s borders.
