Egypt re-doubles efforts to secure Suez Canal

The Egyptian Army forces have taken additional security measures to protect Suez Canal. The measures included the construction of a security fence adjacent to the canal's waterway, banning movement of cars and civilians. Commander of the Third Field Army Division Major General Osama Askar told reporters today that the third army has erected a security fence with a specific depth, in addition to the evacuation of a 3-4 klm-long piece of land east of the canal for future expansion operations. Meanwhile, the western side of the canal where a large number of residential areas exist, fall under the control of the second army, he added. Securing Suez Canal is carried out through joint cooperation between the air, marine, and board guard forces, with full daily coordination of the Commander of the Second Army Major General Ahmad Wasfi. A number of concrete walls and watchtowers have been built along the canal to offer further protection to the canal, Askar affirmed.