Egypt s Defence Minister Mohamed Zaki inspected armed forces security units in North Sinai governorate on Monday, to follow up on developments in Operation Sinai 2018, a comprehensive counter-terrorism operation underway since February.
He passed on greetings to the troops from President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, praising their success and victories over terrorism in northern and central Sinai.
Zaki also inspected Arish airport in North Sinai, praising soldiers and officers high morale and battle readiness.
He also inspected the permanent headquarters of the North Sinai army command.
Operation Sinai 2018 was launched on 9 February with the aim of targeting "terrorist and criminal elements and organisations" in northern and central Sinai, as well as parts of the Nile Delta and the Western Desert, the military said at the start of the operation.
Zaki, formerly head of the Republican Guards, was sworn in as Egypt s 25th defence minister in June.
On Saturday, El-Sisi approved Zaki s promotion from lieutenant general to general.
