US Mulls Pulling Troops from Sinai due to Daesh Threat
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The US president Barack Obama's administration is considering pulling troops out of a base in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula in part due to the growing threat from Daesh (ISIL) and other militants, CNN has learned.
The US is mulling moving some US and international troops into southern portions of Sinai. They are discussing the possibility with Egypt and Israel, which signed a peace treaty in 1979 that the Multinational Force and Observers mission monitors compliance with. Some 700 US troops are currently part of the mission.
So far, neither Egypt nor Israel has commented publicly on the talks, and any significant changes would have to be approved by all signatories to the peace accord.
Defense officials told CNN that the US believes the threat of militant attacks -- including from Daesh-related groups -- in northern Sinai is only growing.
The US, however, is adamant that it can still fulfill its treaty obligations and this move, if approved by the signatories, would not signal a US military retreat in the face of a Daesh threat, the officials said.
Four US service members were injured that month in a roadside attack in Sinai believed to have been carried out by a Daesh affiliate there.
It was not clear if the Americans were the intended target, but within days, the Pentagon brought in 75 additional troops with armored personnel carriers and other equipment to enhance operations. Security upgrades have continued over time, especially in the more remote, smaller monitoring stations.
Officials said it's not clear yet exactly how many forces may shift from the North Camp further south if the plan is approved. It's not anticipated that the North Camp would be shut down. Other countries with troops there, such as Colombia, could also be impacted.
