Egyptian Chief of Staff Mohamed Farid lauded the anti-terror operations in Sinai.

He made his remarks during his inspection of each of the Suez Canal security task forces and Second field army units deployed in Sinai.

Farid also reviewed the implementation of tactics and plans to counter terrorism in Sinai. He praised the high morale of the forces, stressing that the armed forces will always serve as Egypt’s protective shield.

Speaking to attending officers and soldiers, Farid reviewed performance and sat for a briefing on first-response mechanisms for dealing with emergencies.

According to a statement by military spokesman Colonel Tamer Rifai, Farid stressed the importance of vigilance and awareness of officers on duty, and the protection of the Suez Canal in particular as a key strategic waterway.

He also praised the progress made in performance and training, despite the difficult weather conditions.

Farid ended his inspection tour by joining one of the training drills.

Since February 2018, the army and police have been carrying out a major security operation in northern and central Sinai to purge the area of terrorists.

During a visit to the Second Field Army units deployed in Sinai, Farid met a number of commanders, officers, non-commissioned officers, military personnel and deployed soldiers.

The meeting began by paying respects for the lives of fallen armed forces and police members, who were killed on duty.

Rifai said Farid conveyed the greetings and appreciation of President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi to the Second Field Army units for their great efforts in protecting national security.

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Mahmoud Tawfik awarded 286 policemen working in security departments in North Sinai, Cairo, Alexandria, Beheira, Dakahlia, Kafr El Sheikh, Sohag, Assiut, Beni Suef, Qena, Luxor and Port Said for their outstanding public service.