In brief
Reuters reports that two Egyptian army officers, including a senior border guard, were killed during a military operation aimed at curbing illegal gold mining along the southern border with Sudan. The incident occurs as the military enters the fourth phase of its campaign, which has already detained 151 Egyptians and 540 foreigners. Cooperation with Sudanese authorities and the use of warning leaflets were also highlighted by a military spokesperson.
Two Egyptian army officers, including a senior border guard, were killed during a military crackdown on illegal gold mining along Egypt's southern border with Sudan, a military spokesperson said on Thursday, according to Reuters.
The military launched the campaign in June to counter illicit gold mining in the Eastern Desert; the first three phases were completed, and the spokesperson said the fourth phase would begin on Saturday, Reuters reports.
The operation is part of a broader effort to strengthen state control over the territory and protect national resources, the spokesperson told Reuters, noting coordination with Sudan and recent meetings between Egyptian and Sudanese officials.
Egyptian authorities said they had detained 151 Egyptians and 540 foreigners during the campaign, Reuters said.
The spokesperson also mentioned that the armed forces of both countries had exchanged information on securing the Egypt‑Sudan border and had dropped warning leaflets on what it described as "criminal elements," according Reuters data.