Two indirect fire (IDF) projectiles landed near the Fijian camp at El Gorah, northern Sinai last weekend but no one was injured. The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) director

by maika bolatiki, suva

Republic of Fiji Military Forces peacekeepers departing for Sinai last week. Photo: Waisea Nasokia

Two indirect fire (IDF) projectiles landed near the Fijian camp at El Gorah, northern Sinai last weekend but no one was injured.

The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) director peacekeeping operations, Commander Humphrey Tawake, confirmed this to the Fiji Sun yesterday.

No Fijian troops were injured. However he said two Egyptian civilian staff were killed.

He said the attacks on the Egyptian Armed Forces by militant groups had continued to increase and this had caused the IDF to land near the Fijian camp.

Commander Tawake assured family members of the 338 soldiers at El Gora camp and the public that the soldiers were all safe and they should not be alarmed as everything was under control by the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO).

MFO had tightened security and movements were restricted, he said.

Only movements for essential services were allowed but under very tight security, he said.

The mortars were not aimed at the Fiji Camp but just felt short of the target, he said.

He said the Commander of RFMF, Rear Admiral Viliame Naupoto had been briefed about the incident.

RFMF chief of staff Colonel Litea Seruiratu said they were closely monitoring the situation and had urged family members not to be worried as the safety of the soldiers remained foremost to the RFMF.

“The MFO was in total control of the situation,” Colonel Seruiratu said.

Overseas media have reported that Sinai has become the scene of frequent clashes between militants and state security forces.

Meanwhile Egypt has mobilised large military forces to Sinai in light of the rapidly deteriorating security situation there.

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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