Country Profile for EGYPT

Alert for Egypt

 

Security forces kidnapped in Sinai Peninsula - 16 May 2013:

Islamist gunmen have kidnapped seven members of the Egyptian security forces in the Sinai Peninsula.  The group were seized as they travelled between the towns of el-Arish and Rafah in the early hours of the morning.  One police officer has since been released, while the Islamists are demanding that the remaining six will be released in exchanged for jailed militants.

Security forces thwart terrorist plot against foreign embassy - 11 May 2013:

Egyptian police have thwarted a plot by an extremist cell to carry out a suicide bomb attack on a foreign embassy in Egypt.  Mohammed Ibrahim, the country's interior minister, said the suspects were planning attacks in Cairo and Alexandria.

Sectarian clashes reported during Coptic funerals - 7 April 2013:

One person has died and more than 80 others wounded after sectarian violence erupted outside Cairo's main cathedral on Sunday.  Mourners clashed with local residents after attending the funerals of four Coptic Christians, who had been killed during sectarian unrest in the town of El Khusus on Friday.

Deadly sectarian violence erupts outside Cairo - 5 April 2013:

At least five people have been killed and eight more wounded in clashes between Coptic Christians and Muslims in the town of El Khusus, north of the capital Cairo.  Local residents said the violence erupted when a group of Christian children drew graffiti on a Muslim religious institute wall.  Angry Muslim residents responded by smashing Christian shops and a Coptic day care centre.

Two tourists kidnapped in Sinai peninsula - 22 March 2013:

An Israeli man and a Norwegian woman have been kidnapped by gunmen in the Sinai peninsula.  The tourists were travelling between Taba and Dahab when they were seized by a group of six armed men. 

Violence erupts across Egypt after riot verdicts - 09 March 2013:

At least three people have been killed in violent protesters after a court ordered death sentences on 21 football fans for their role in the Port Said riots last year.  Unrest erupted in Port Said and in the capital, Cairo, where rival fans where angered that a number of defendants, including seven police officers, were acquitted by the courts.

Tourists kidnapped by Sinai tribesmen - 07 March 2013:

Two British tourists have been kidnapped by tribesmen in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, according to security sources.  The victims were reportedly travelling by car from Cairo to Sharm El Sheikh when they were stopped by gunmen in an isolated desert area.  The kidnappers are demanding the release of four Egyptian prisoners held on arms smuggling charges.

Dozens wounded in Port Said unrest - 06 March 2013:

At least 150 people have been wounded after anti-government protesters clashed with police in Port Said.  The demonstrators, who are demanding the release of prisoners, threw petrol bombs at police and set fire to a security car.

Police officer killed in Port Said clashes - 04 March 2013:

An Egyptian police officer has been killed during clashes between protesters and police in the coastal city of Port Said.  More than 300 protesters were also reportedly wounded, many of them suffering from tear gas inhalation.  

Egyptian journalist kidnapped in Cairo - 23 February 2013:

A journalist with the Masrawy news agency has been kidnapped from the Dar El-Salam district of Cairo, according to his family.  Mohamed El-Sawy' reportedly called his girlfriend to say he had been kidnapped from a bus station in the city.

Riots erupt outside presidential palace - 11 February 2013:

Protesters have clashed with riot police outside the presidential palace in Cairo.  The police fired tear gas and water cannons into the crowds which had gathered to mark the two years since Hosni Mubarak was forced from office.

Opposition calls for mass demonstration - 01 February 2013:

Egypt's opposition have called for mass demonstrations across the country following a week of deadly clashes.  A founder of the April 6 youth protest movement said that protests will be held in Tahir Square and at the presidential palace in Cairo.

Army chief warns of Egypt's collapse - 29 January 2013:

The chief of Egypt's armed forces has warned that the current political crisis "could lead to a collapse of the state".  General Abdul Fattah al-Sisi, who is also the defence minister, comes after six days of unrest during which around 50 people have been killed.

State of emergency declared  - 27 January 2013:

Egypt's President Mohamed Morsi has announced a state of emergency in three cities following five days of unrest.  Port Said, Suez and Ismalia will be subject to a 21:00 to 06:00 curfew for the next 30 days. 

Rioting in Port Said leaves 30 dead - 26 January 2013:

At least 30 people have been killed in rioting sparked by a court sentencing 21 people to death in the city of Port Said.  The defendants had been charged over riots which killed 74 people after a football game in the city last year.

Clashes in Egypt ahead of uprising anniversary - 24 January 2013:

Police have clashed with protesters in Tahir Square, ahead of the second anniversary of the popular uprising in the country.  Opposition groups have called for mass rallies against President Mohammed Morsi, who they accuse of betraying the revolution.

Protesters clash with police in Alexandria - 20 January 2013:

Protesters have clashed with riot police in the port city of Alexandria over a trial against police officers accused of killing civilians during the 2011 uprising.  The unrest started when the investigating judge said he was transferring the case to another court.

Rallies held in Cairo on eve of referendum - 14 December 2012:

Pro and anti-government factions have held rival rallies in Cairo ahead of a referendum on a draft constitution.  The vote, which starts on Saturday, has deeply divided the country and led to widespread unrest.

Army given power to arrest civilians - 10 December 2012:

The Egyptian President Mohammed Mursi has given the army the power to arrest civilians ahead of the controversial referendum on a new constitution.  Mr Mursi has said that the move has been taken to protect the constitutional vote, however opposition groups have called for renewed protests against the referendum.

Tanks deployed to presidential palace after deadly clashes - 06 December 2012:

The Egyptian army has deployed tanks and troops to the presidential palace in Cairo following a night of deadly clashes between pro and anti-government supporters.  At least five people were killed and hundreds more wounded during the unrest, which opposition groups accuse the Muslim Brotherhood of starting.

Thousands gather in Cairo for anti-Mursi rally - 30 November 2012:

Thousands of Egyptians have gathered in Cairo's Tahir Square to protest against President Mohammed Mursi and the draft constitution which his allies in the constituent assembly approved earlier on Friday. The Supreme Constitutional Court is expected to rule on Sunday whether the Islamist-dominated assembly should be dissolved.

Mass anti-Mursi rally held in Cairo - 27 November 2012:

Tens of thousands of people have gathered in Cairo's Tahir Square to protest against the Egyptian President Mohammed Mursi.  It is the latest in a series of anti-Mursi demonstrations since the president granted himself sweeping new powers last week.

Teenage killed in protest against Mursi decree - 25 November 2012:

A teenager has been killed and around 40 other people wounded after a group of protesters tried to storm the offices of the Muslim Brotherhood.  The unrest was sparked by President Mursi's decree which issued him with sweeping new powers, which he has since said are only temporary.

Mursi decree grants sweeping powers - 23 November 2012:

Egypt's President Mursi has issued a decree which grants him sweeping new powers, leading to opposition groups calling for mass protests and accusing Mr. Mursi of making himself a "new pharaoh."  The decree states the president's decisions cannot be challenged by any authority, while also providing legal protection to the upper house of parliament.

Cairo clashes leave dozens injured - 20 November 2012:

At least 61 people have been injured in clashes between protesters and police in Egypt's capital, Cairo.  The unrest began on Monday on the anniversary of the "Mohamed Mahmoud" riots which left more than 40 people dead in 2011.

Egypt increase military presence at Israel border - 15 November 2012:

Egypt is reportedly increasing its military presence in the Sinai Peninsula along the border with Israel.  The move comes amid increasing clashes between the Israeli security forces and Hamas militants based in Gaza.  Meanwhile Egypt's Islamist Freedom and Justice Party, the political arm of the Muslim Brotherhood, have said that the country would no longer stand by as Israel attacked Palestinians.

Militants shoot dead three troops in Sinai - 03 November 2012:

Three members of Egypt's security forces have been shot dead by militants in the restive Sinai peninsula.  The troops were killed when unknown gunmen opened fire on their car in the suburbs of El -Arish.

Increased terror threat in Sinai Peninsula - 25 September 2012:

Egypt's security forces have been put on high alert  in the Sinai Peninsula ahead of the Eid al-Adha festival.  There are fear that terrorist groups are planning attacks during the festival, which begins on Friday.

Egypt border clash leaves four dead - 21 September 2012:

An Israeli soldier and three militants have been killed during a clash at Israel's southern border with Egypt.  According to an Israeli army spokesman the militants opened fire on the soldiers after crossing the border from Sinai.

Sinai security HQ attacked by militants - 16 September 2012:

An Egyptian soldier has been killed during a clash between security forces and militants in the Sinai Peninsula.  The militants attacked the security headquarters in al-Arish with RPGs and mortar fire.

Anti-US protest turns violent in Cairo - 14 September 2012:

An anti-US protest has erupted in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, leading to clashes with demonstrators and riot police.  At least six police officers have been wounded in the protest outside the US embassy, which was sparked by a controversial film which mocks the Prophet Muhammad.

Sinai crackdown leaves 32 dead - 08 September 2012:

Egyptian armed forces have killed 32 suspected criminals in ongoing military operations in the Sinai peninsula.  According to a military spokesman they have also made 38 arrests and destroyed 31 smuggling tunnels on the border with the Gaza Strip.

Government retires 70 army generals - 02 September 2012:

A total of 70 army generals have been retired by the Egyptian government, another signal of President Mursi asserting his authority over the army.  Six of the generals will retain their positions in the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF).

Libyan armed forces close border with Egypt - 16 August 2012:

Libya's armed forces have closed the border with Egypt after a border guard was killed at the Amsad crossing during a gunfight with a group of suspected people traffickers.  A large deployment of Libyan troops have been dispatched to the area.

Suspected militants killed in Sinai peninsula - 12 August 2012:

At least six suspected militants have been killed during military operations in the Sinai peninsula.  The raids took place in a remote village near al-Arish town in the north of the region.

Police officers killed in Sinai - 05 August 2012:

At least 15 Egyptian police officers have been killed in an attack by armed men in north Sinai.  Egyptian state television claimed that Islamic fighters had carried out the attack.

Sectarian clashes reported outside Cairo - 01 August 2012:

Sectarian clashes have been reported in Giza Governorate to the south of Cairo after a local Muslim man was apparently killed by a Christian last week.  An unconfirmed number of injuries have been reported as a group of armed men clashed in the village of Dahshour.

Tensions mount between president and army - 09 July 2012:

Egypt's new president, Mohammed Mursi, has ordered the Egyptian parliament to reconvene despite the army's decision to dissolve parliament in June.  It is likely to be the first in a series of confrontations between Mursi and the ruling military council as both vie for power.

Muslim Brotherhood's Mursi elected president - 24 June 2012:

The Muslim Brotherhood's Mohammed Mursi has been declared Egypt's first democratically elected leader.  He won 51.73% of the vote in last week's run-off against former Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq.

Thousands join protest against army generals - 22 June 2012:

Thousands of people have joined a mass protests against the Supreme Council for the Armed Forces (SCAF) in Cairo's Tahir Square.  The ruling military council recently dissolved parliament and granted itself emergency legislative powers.

Muslim Brotherhood plan march against army - 19 June 2012:

The Muslim Brotherhood is planning to take part in protests against the ruling military council and the new interim constitution.  Over the weekend the army dissolved the parliament and granted itself emergency legislative powers.

Army grants itself sweeping powers - 18 June 2012:

The Egyptian army has granted itself sweeping powers in a new interim constitutional declaration, which opposition groups are calling a military coup.  The ruling military council has promised to hand power over to an elected president by the end of June, with the Muslim Brotherhood's Mohammed Mursi claiming victory.

Deadly clash at Israel-Egypt border leaves four dead - 18 June 2012:

An Israeli construction worker and three Egyptian militants have been killed during a clash in southern Israel.  The Israeli military have said that the militants opened fire a convoy of construction workers, before Israeli troops returned fire. 

Mubarak sentenced to life imprisonment - 02 June 2012:

Hosni Mubarak, the former president of Egypt, has been sentenced to life in prison for his involvement in the deaths of protesters during last year's uprising.  Former Interior Ministry Habib al-Adly also received a life sentence for his role in the violence.

Sohag clashes leave 20 injured - 30 May 2012:

Twenty people have been wounded after violent clashes erupted between rival political supporters in Sohag.  Four shops were also destroyed in the unrest, which started when supporters of Mohamed Mursi ripped down posters of Ahmed Shafiq in the town.

Eleven killed in Cairo protests - 02 May 2012:

At least 11 people have been killed and up to 100 other injured after unknown assailants attacked a group of protesters in Cairo.  Similar attacks have been reported in recent week, and there are suggestions that the attackers were hired by the government to break up and protests in the city.

Dozens injured in Cairo clashes - 29 April 2012:

At least 90 people have been injured after protesters were attacked by a group of armed men in Cairo.  The identities of the attackers is not known, however the army and police did not attempt to stop the violence.

Two shot dead in Suez protests - 03 February 2012:

Two people have been shot dead during further civil unrest in the city of Suez.  Large protests have been taking place throughout Egypt's major cities following the deaths of 74 people at a football match in Port Said.

Dozens killed in football stadium rioting  - 01 February 2012:

At least 73 people are reported to have been killed and hundreds more injured after rioting broke at football stadium between rival supporters in the city of Port Said.  After the match the fans of al-Masry invaded the pitch and attacked the opposition team and their supporters.  

French national shot dead in Sharm el-Sheikh - 30 January 2012:

A French man has been killed after armed robbers raided a currency exchange office in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh.  A German national and two Egyptians were also wounded in the attack.

Protesters clash with army in Cairo - 16 December 2011:

Protesters have clashed with army troops in the capital, Cairo, leaving at least one protester dead and dozens more injured.  The demonstrators threw stones and police, who responded by firing water cannons at the crowd.

Tahrir Square death toll rises following bloody weekend - 21 November 2011:

Fresh violence has erupted in Cairo's Tahrir Square between protesters and riot police, threatening the parliamentary elections scheduled for next week.  At least 33 people are reported to have been killed over the weekend, with around 1,500 more injured.

Violent protests erupt in Cairo - 19 November 2011:

Egyptian riot police have clashed with protesters in Cairo's Tahrir Square, leaving at least one person dead and hundreds injured.  The violence erupted when police dismantled a camp setup by demonstrators, and comes ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled to take place in nine days time.

Deadly clashes leave 24 dead in Cairo - 10 October 2011:

At least 24 people have been killed and dozens more injured in clashes between Coptic Christians and military police in central Cairo.  The unrest was sparked by an attack on a Coptic church in Aswan last week.

Hundreds injured in mass Cairo protest - 10 September 2011:

Hundreds of protesters have been injured following clashes with security forces in Egypt's capital, Cairo.  The demonstrators had earlier broken into the Israeli embassy in the city before violence erupted outside of the building.

Clashes erupt as Mubarak trial resumes - 05 September 2011:

Supporters and opponents of Hosni Mubarak, Egypt's ousted president, have clashed near a Cairo courtroom ahead of the resumption of his trial.  Around a dozen people were injured in the clashes and police made a number of arrests.

Thousands gather in Tahrir Square - 08 July 2011:

Tens of thousands of people have gathered in Cairo's Tahrir Square to call for faster political reform in the country.  The demonstrators claim that the interim government is failing to progress at a fast enough pace following the fall of President Hosni Mubarak in February.

Gas pipeline blown up in Sinai - 04 July 2011:

Unknown attackers have blown up a pipeline in the Sinai peninsula carrying gas from Egypt to Israel and Jordan.  The blast occurred at a pumping station at Nagah in the Bir Abdu region of the country.

Dozens injured in fresh Tahrir Square clashes - 29 June 2011:

Clashes between protester and security forces in Cairo's Tahrir Square have left more than 40 people with serious injuries.  Riot police fired tear gas at the crowds in the most violent unrest since Hosni Mubarak was forced from office in February 2011.

Gunmen kill police officers in Sinai - 22 June 2011:

Two police officers have been killed and two others injured following an attack by unknown gunmen in the town of Al-Arish in north Sinai.  

Christians protest following sectarian attacks - 09 May 2011:

Coptic Christians have been protesting near Tahrir Square in Cairo following a series of clashes with Muslim groups over the weekend which have left 12 people dead.

Sectarian clashes leave 10 dead - 08 May 2011:

Muslims and Coptic Christians have clashed in Cairo, leaving 10 people dead more than 100 injured.  Egyptian security forces have arrested 186 people and the country's prime minister has called an emergency cabinet meeting to discuss the violence. 

Clashes erupt in Tahrir Square - 09 April 2011:

Thousands of protesters have gathered in Tahrir Square to demand for faster reforms and for the resignation of the defense minister.  There have been reports of soldiers beating protesters and thousands remain in military custody for their alleged involvement in the unrest.

Bomb explodes near Pyramids - 06 April 2011:

A small device has exploded near the pyramids in the outskirts of Cairo, seriously injuring three people.  No group has claimed responsibilty for the attack.

Hosni Mubarak resigns as president of Egypt - 11 February 2011:

Hosni Mubarak has resigned as president of Egypt after 18 days of mass protest against his leadership.  Vice-President Omar Suleiman announced on national television that power had been handed to the military.

Anti-Mubarak protests continue in Cairo - 08 February 2011:

Thousands of anti-Mubarak protesters have again gathered in Cairo's Tahrir Square today to call for the president to resign.  There were also similar protests in Egypt's second largest city, Alexandria, despite a number of concessions announced by the government.

Thousands attend 'day of departure' rally in Cairo - 04 February 2011:

Tens of thousands of people are taking part in a 'day of departure' rally in Cairo's Tahir Square in a further attempt to oust President Mubarak from office.  The president has indicated that he wants to leave, but he believes that his departure would leave the country in crisis.

Pro and anti-Mubarak protesters clash in Cairo - 03 February 2011:

Groups of pro and anti-Mubarak protesters have been involved in violent clashes in Tahir Square in Egypt's capital, Cairo.  A number of people have been injured in the clashes and gunfire has been heard in the area.

Mubarak fails to appease protesters - 02 February 2011:

Egypt's president, Hosni Mubarak, has failed to appease the thousands of anti-government protesters with his announcement that he will only leave office after elections in September.  Hundreds of thousands of people gathered in Egypt's major cities yesterday calling for Mubarak to surrender power immediately. 

Pressure continues to grow on Mubarak - 31 January 2011:

Demonstrations in Egypt have continued for a seventh day, with plans for a mass demonstration in Cairo on Tuesday aimed at forcing President Mubarak from power.  At least 125 people have been killed in the violence so far.

Thousands continue to protest despite government crackdown - 28 January 2011:

Thousands of anti-government protesters have continued demonstrating despite the government warning that they would use "decisive measures" to deal with the unrest.  In Suez one protester is reported to have been killed in clashes with police and there has been widespread disruption to internet and mobile phone services.

Unrest continues as protesters burn down police post - 27 January 2011:

Continued civil unrest in Egypt has seen further clashes between police and protesters throughout the country.  In the eastern city of Suez protesters set fire to a police post using petrol bombs.

Protesters clash with Egyptian police - 25 January 2011:

Anti-government protesters have clashed with police in Cairo after calling for President Hosni Mubarak to resign.  The demonstrations are reminiscent of those in Tunisia's current 'Jasmine Revolution' which has led to the resignation of it's former president, Zine Al Abedine Ben Ali.

Egyptian sets himself on fire - 17 January 2011:

An Egyptian man has set himself on fire outside of the parliament building in Cairo.  This act of self-immolations comes after similar incidents in Tunisia and Algeria, which in the former country sparked widespread civil unrest and the resignation of the Tunisian president.

Tensions in lead up to Coptic Christmas - 04 January 2011:

Security remains heightened especially in and near places of worship following the explosion in Alexandria on 1 January when 21 people were killed.  Large numbers continued to clash with Police demanding protection as the Coptic Christmas celebrations approach (7 January).

Car bomb kills twenty-one outside church - 01 January 2011:

A car bomb exploded outside a Coptic Christian church in Alexandria has left 21 people dead and at least 70 injured.  Terrorist groups affiliated with al-Qaeda are believed to be responsible for the attack.

Police clash with Coptic Christians - 24 November 2010:

Police have clashed with Coptic Christians over the construction of a new church in Cairo's Giza district.  One person is reported to have been killed and dozens more injured in the clashes.

Political tensions high before parliamentary elections - 22 November 2010:

The main opposition party in Egypt, the Muslim Brotherhood, claim more than 1,000 of its supporters have been arrested following a number of clashes and protests over the last few days.

 

Egypt Data Sheet

 

Population: 91 million

Major Religion/s: : Islam, Christianity

International dialling code: +20

International dialling prefix: 00

Emergency services: Police 122, Medical 123, Fire 180

Drives: Right

Voltage: 220V

Climate: Desert

Other Major Cities: Alexandria, Giza, Shubra el Khema

Borders: Libya, Sudan, Israel

Mobile Networks:

For more information visit:

 

Orange:

http://business.orange.co.uk/home/soletrader/plans/roaming-and-international-plans/international-cost-checker

 

Vodafone:

 http://online.vodafone.co.uk/dispatch/Portal/appmanager/vodafone/wrp?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=templateCClamp&pageID=OS_1110

 

O2:

 http://www.o2international.co.uk/

 

T-Mobile:

 http://www.t-mobile.co.uk/services/going-abroad/

Journalists Under Attack

Media Safety

Security News