Africa’s most powerful military launches crackdown on illegal prospecting of desert gold as it targets sites in a North African nation

The Egyptian military and civilian police forces have launched the third phase of a joint security campaign targeting illegal gold prospecting across the Eastern Desert.

• The Egyptian military and police launched the third phase of their campaign against illegal gold mining in the Eastern Desert.
• Authorities dropped warning leaflets before commencing the crackdown as part of broader efforts to secure national resources.
• Recent alleged airstrikes near the southern border led to casualties among informal miners and initiated an investigation by Sudanese authorities.
• Egyptian officials emphasized the strong and peaceful bond with Sudan, urging the public to rely on official news sources and avoid rumors.

Authorities initiated this latest phase after dropping warning leaflets across targeted areas.

As noted by Egypt Today, the crackdown forms part of broader national efforts to "assert full sovereignty over Egyptian territory and protect the country's assets and natural resources".

Egypt expands security operations against illegal mining in the desert

The ongoing military action comes amid recent media reports regarding alleged airstrikes near the southern border that reportedly resulted in casualties among informal artisanal miners.

In response to the reports, Sudan's Transitional Sovereignty Council Chairman Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan requested an official investigation to determine the origin and cause of the incident.

Addressing the situation, the Egyptian Armed Forces emphasized the enduring bond between both countries, stating that the peaceful presence of millions of Sudanese citizens in Egypt serves as "clear evidence of the longstanding relationship between the two nations".

Egyptian Military leaders also advised residents across the region to rely on official news channels and "avoid being influenced by misleading rumors or foreign agendas seeking to undermine the fraternal ties between the Egyptian and Sudanese peoples".

Diplomatic talks preserve strong relations between Egypt and Sudan

To reinforce bilateral stability, Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty held a telephone conversation with Sudanese Foreign Minister Mohieddin Salem.

Egypt today reported that Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nader Zaki confirmed that both officials underscored "the importance of mutual respect for each country's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and borders".

Both governments reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining continuous consultations and cooperation, building upon recent bilateral talks between Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan.