Egypt reports Suez terror plot

EGYPT has arrested 26 people whom authorities suspect were planning terrorist attacks on the Suez Canal.

A statement from the interior ministry said the terror cell was made up of 25 Egyptians and one Palestinian.

Their alleged targets were pipelines and ships transiting the canal, using explosives triggered via mobile phone, the statement said.

The plotters received support from groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda, the ministry alleged, and are also suspected of links with Gaza militants.

Officers have confiscated diving suits and explosives from the cell, as well as a handgun used in the robbery of a jewelry shop in May 2008, the ministry alleged.

But Diaa Rashawn – an authority on Islamic extremist groups – told Haaretz newspaper that there was reason for scepticism about the arrests.

Rashawn termed the ministry statement "a catalogue of accusations, targets and ties to different groups that don't fit together" and pointed out that similar cases had never gone to trial. EGYPT has arrested 26 people whom authorities suspect were planning terrorist attacks on the Suez Canal.

Source: Fairplay