Security Brief for prepared on: Jul 12, 2021 5:59:41 PM UTC

Security Assessment Rating

Security Rating for Egypt: 4 - High

Sub-Ratings 1 2 3 4 5 Crime 3 Overall Rating: Security Services 3 4 Civil Unrest 3 Terrorism 4 High Kidnapping 3 Geopolitical 3

Security Overview : Overview of Egypt There are military operations against militants in North Sinai and along the Libyan border. Armed assaults and bombings have been reported. The terrorist threat stems from North Sinai-based Islamist militants, suspected Muslim Brotherhood offshoots, and those motivated by left-wing views. Most terrorist attacks target commercial, economic, and infrastructure installations as well as Christian minorities and security forces. Foreigners have also been targeted. Most crimes are petty thefts, such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching, but armed robberies, muggings, sexual assaults, rapes, break-ins, and carjackings have also been reported. Opposition to the government and socioeconomic factors are drivers for civil unrest. Islamist protests have been pushed out of downtown areas, and rallies motivated by economic factors are now a greater potential threat to security. Protests can turn violent and disrupt travel. The risk of civil unrest rises during significant anniversaries.

Related Advice: General guidelines to protect yourself against terrorism. Related Advice: Recognizing suspicious objects and the threat of hidden explosives while traveling Related Advice: Protecting yourself from crime when using taxis abroad. Related Advice: Tips and guidelines for surviving an airline hijacking Related Advice: Increasing your personal security while traveling.

Security Alerts & Advisories Informational Alerts

Terrorism: Authorities in Egypt extend the existing State of Emergency through at least Oct. 24. Heightened security presence and disruptions likely. Incident: State of Emergency Location(s): Nationwide (map) Time Frame: Through Oct. 24 Impact: Increased deployment of security forces personnel, monitoring of electronic communications, restrictions on public gatherings

Summary A presidential decree has extended the nationwide State of Emergency (SoE) through at least Oct. 24. The SoE declaration allows for increased deployment of security personnel, monitoring and censorship of online communications, and additional powers to arrest and imprison those suspected of having intentions to harm national security.

Heightened security will likely continue near potential terrorist targets - including government and military installations, tourist venues, and Coptic Christian places of worship. Police may establish checkpoints and roadblocks near such locations, likely prompting associated ground transport disruptions in their vicinity.

Background and Analysis President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi will likely extend the nationwide SoE repeatedly for the foreseeable future, as militancy remains a threat. El-Sisi initially implemented the measure in April 2017 after Islamic State (IS) militants targeted churches in Alexandria and Tanta in twin bombings. Counterterrorism efforts have remained a primary concern following the initial implementation of the law. In February 2018, el-Sisi announced the launch of a large- scale military operation dubbed " 2018," which aims to eradicate militancy. The announcement follows the expiration of a three-month deadline that the president had imposed to eliminate militancy in the after an attack on a Sufi mosque in Bir el-Abed in November 2017 that left more than 300 people dead.

Advice Follow the instructions of security personnel; be courteous and nonconfrontational. Ensure travel documents are available at all times. Maintain contact with diplomatic missions.

Alert begins: 07/12/2021

Terrorism: Egyptian officials extend security-related curfews in several areas of through July 25. Increased security likely. Event: Curfews Location(s): Several areas in North Sinai Governorate (map) Time Frame: Through July 25 Impact: Increased security, movement restrictions, localized business and transport disruptions

Summary Authorities in Egypt have extended security-related nightly curfews in several areas of North Sinai Governorate through July 25. A 19:00-06:00 nightly curfew will be in place in areas encompassing Tal Rafah in the eastern part of North Sinai Governorate to the international border at Rafah and from Mount Helal to Ouga. A 01:00- 05:00 nightly curfew will be in effect in the city of El and on the International Road.

Security forces will likely conduct security patrols and could establish security checkpoints for the duration of the curfews. Heightened security measures will likely result in localized traffic and business disruptions.

Background and Analysis Islamic State (IS) is active in the North Sinai Governorate and regularly targets civilians, foreigners, and Egyptian military personnel. IS' Wilayat Sinai branch has frequently attacked Egyptian security forces. Wilayat Sinai is one of IS's most active affiliates in North Africa and will likely remain a potent threat for the foreseeable future. The group launches weekly attacks, targeting security forces, religious minorities, and civilians accused of working with the military. Most IS attacks in the region occur in the coastal areas of Egypt's North Sinai Governorate, near Al-Arish and Rafah, approximately 142 km (88 miles) and 183 km (113 miles) east of Port Said, respectively.

Advice Strictly comply with the curfew and heed other instructions from local authorities. Remain courteous and cooperative if stopped by security personnel.

Alert begins: 04/27/2021

Other Alerts & Advisories Warning Alerts

Entry/Exit: Authorities in Egypt ease capacity restrictions for hotels, restaurants, and cinemas as of July 5. Other measures remain in place. Incident: COVID-19 restrictions Location(s): Nationwide (map) Time Frame: Indefinite Impact: Business and transport disruptions, heightened security

Summary Egyptian authorities have increased the maximum capacity restrictions at hotels, restaurants, and cinemas to 70 percent as of July 5, following a decrease in COVID-19 cases. Public parks and beaches have reopened but large social gatherings, such as sporting events and concerts, remain prohibited until further notice. Places of worship are also open but must adhere to strict public health measures.

International commercial flights to and from Egyptian airports are operating. All travelers are required to complete a monitoring card and provide proof of health insurance to authorities upon arrival. Fully vaccinated individuals are exempt from taking a PCR test if they have approved vaccination certificates with valid QR codes. However, vaccinated individuals coming from high-risk countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brazil, India, Latin America, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam) have to take an ID NOW COVID-19 test upon arrival. If the results are positive, they will have to proceed with a PCR test. Authorities will transfer individuals who obtain a positive result for the PCR test to quarantine facilities. Unvaccinated individuals, meanwhile, have to provide a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival.

Authorities may impose further travel restrictions and other preventative measures over the coming days, depending on the evolution of disease activity.

Advice Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all business appointments and travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.

Alert begins: 07/05/2021

Health: Countries in , North Africa, and West Asia continue to report COVID-19 cases through July. Maintain basic health precautions. Incident: COVID-19 transmission Location(s): Middle East, North Africa, West Asia (map) Date: June-July 2021 Transmission: Respiratory (coughing, sneezing, speaking)

Summary Several countries and territories in MENA and West Asia continue to report COVID-19 transmission as of July 6. The following countries and territories have identified confirmed COVID-19 cases June 8-July 6. Countries are classified by risk of transmission according to the incidence rate over the past four weeks:

Very high risk of transmission

Bahrain Kuwait Oman Tunisia United Arab

High risk of transmission

Afghanistan Iran Iraq Jordan Libya Qatar Turkey

Moderate risk of transmission

Lebanon Palestinian Territories Saudi Arabia

Low risk of transmission Algeria Egypt Morocco Pakistan Syria Yemen

Background and Analysis COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Human-to-human transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets from infected individuals or contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. Symptoms occur 1-14 days following exposure (average of 3-7 days). These symptoms typically include fever, fatigue, and dry cough; less common symptoms include headache, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell, reddening of the eyes, skin rash, or discoloration of the fingers or toes. Symptoms may worsen to difficulty breathing, pneumonia, and organ failure - especially in those with underlying, chronic medical conditions. Some infected individuals display no symptoms. Multiple variants of COVID-19 have been identified globally, some of which spread more easily between people. COVID-19 vaccines are being distributed to frontline workers and the elderly in some countries, while other vaccines are in varying stages of development and clinical trials; more data is required to determine the efficacy of vaccines against COVID-19 variants.

Older individuals and people of any age with chronic medical conditions or compromised immunity should consider postponing nonessential travel, including domestic travel, and take special precautions to avoid becoming ill, especially where sustained community transmission of COVID-19 is ongoing. All individuals should monitor their health and limit interactions with others for 14 days after returning from travel.

Advice Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease; however, several COVID-19 vaccines have been made available and distributed in some countries. Monitor government vaccination schedules, and get a government-approved vaccine when eligible and when it is offered. All individuals, including vaccinated individuals, should continue to prioritize basic health precautions as long-term immunity against COVID-19 is still being investigated.

Resources WHO coronavirus knowledge base WHO: Public health considerations while resuming international travel US CDC: Guidance for Businesses and Workplaces US CDC: Preventing COVID-19 Spread in Communities Mental Health Considerations during COVID-19 Outbreak US CDC: Manage Anxiety and Stress New England Journal of Medicine: COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs

Alert begins: 07/06/2021

Security Intelligence

SECURITY

Armed Conflict: Armed Conflict - Egypt The (EAF) and security services periodically conduct military operations against extremist groups in North Sinai with the aim of eradicating terrorists. Clashes often occur in Rafah, el-Arish, Sheikh Zuweid, and surrounding areas. Hundreds of people have been forced to relocate to make way for a military exclusion zone near the Gaza Strip. Armed assaults and bombings targeting government buildings, security forces, Christian minorities, and energy infrastructure also occur in the North Sinai region. Insurgents also have the capacity to launch rockets at neighboring Israel and vessels transiting along the northern coastline. Attacks and regular clashes with militants have continued despite claims from the government that a campaign to secure the peninsula has been successful. The EAF also conducts military operations near the porous 1,115 km (693-mile) border with Libya. Extremists in Libya have extended their reach and work with counterparts in Egypt. Suspected Islamist militants traveling between Libya and Egypt have attacked security checkpoints in the New Valley and Matruh governorates. While attacks in these governorates remain sporadic, the terrorist threat in the region remains elevated. Additionally, although the Libyan civil war ended in October 2020, the exchange of fighters, weapons, and illicit goods still occurs frequently in the Egypt-Libya border regions. The EAF has also deployed intelligence, reconnaissance, and surveillance assets to target armed groups and bandits in New Valley, Minya, and Assiut. Military operations pose death and injury risks to individuals, highlighted by the September 2015 helicopter strike in Wahat that killed 12 tourists misidentified as Islamist militants.

Civil Unrest: Civil unrest generally poses a moderate threat in Egypt

Despite a gradual increase in instability following a period of political turmoil between 2011 and 2013, periodic instances of nationwide unrest are possible in Egypt following significant political and economic developments. Protests have been banned under the Sisi regime, but anti-government demonstrations are still sporadically reported. These events typically take place in major metropolitan areas such as downtown , Alexandria, Suez, and Port Said. Triggers for civil unrest include high unemployment, labor grievances, religious issues, increasing prices of fuel and staple goods, power cuts, corruption, and human rights abuses. Anti-Western protests over world events most often affect Western embassies, Cairo's , and other public squares. Transport workers, police, teachers, and doctors can go on strike over demands for better wages and working conditions, causing disruption to public services, travel, and commerce. Protests over price hikes and austerity measures, linked to loans from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), can occur but are typically of a low level.

The risk of civil unrest rises around key dates such as the anniversary of the Egyptian Revolution of 2011 (25 January Revolution) or court orders acquitting Mubarak-era officials. Demonstrations are often suppressed through police and judicial crackdowns. Activists and journalists suspected of being politically opposed to the authorities are at high risk of detention. Social media sites popular with activists are blocked to prevent gatherings. Rallies can see violent clashes between police and protesters, resulting in deaths, injuries, and property damage. Participants have thrown rocks and petrol , and security forces have used tear gas and live ammunition in response.

Supporters of the former Islamist President Mohammad Morsi remain present in Cairo, Alexandria, Suez, and the provinces of Daqhalia, Gharbia, Ismailiyya, Monufia, Sharqia, and Port Said. However, a relentless state crackdown has kept such Islamist protests scattered and small. Shotguns and homemade rifles have been used against law enforcement personnel and between supporters and opponents of various political factions. The Nile Valley governorates of Asyut and Sohag, located between Cairo and Luxor, have seen clashes between Christian Copts and Muslim residents. However, this has not impacted travelers.

Contacts and Communication: Emergency numbers and selected embassy contacts in Egypt Travelers should familiarize themselves with the location and contact details of other foreign embassies in case their country's embassy closes due to an emergency or some other unexpected circumstances. Another embassy can often provide assistance in such cases.

Emergency Services:

Fire 180 Police 122 Ambulance 193 Tourist Police 126 Country Code 20 Contact information for select embassies and consulates in Egypt:

Note: This information is subject to change Australia - Embassy Brazil - Embassy Canada - Embassy

World Trade Center-11th Fl. Nile City Towers 26 Kamel El Shewnawy St. Garden City 1191 Corniche El-Nil North Tower 2005 C Corniche El-Nil P.O. Box 1667 Boulaq Cairo Cairo Cairo Egypt Egypt Egypt Phone: +202-24-61-98-37 Phone: +202-2791-8700 Phone: +202-27-70-66-00 Fax: +202-22-61-98-38 Fax: +202-2791-8860 Fax: +202-27-70-66-50 Email: Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] egypt.gc.ca [email protected] cairo.itamaraty.gov.br egypt.embassy.gov.au China - Embassy France - Embassy Germany - Embassy

14 Baghat Aly St. 29 Avenue de Charles de Gaulle 2, Sharia Berlin (Corner Sharia Hassan Zamalek, Cairo BP 1777 Sabri) Egypt Giza, Cairo Cairo, Zamalek 11211 Phone: +202-27-36-12-19 Egypt Egypt Fax: +202-27-35-94-59 Phone: +202-35-67-32-00 Phone: +202-739-9600 Email: Fax: +202-35-67-32-01 Fax: +202-736-0530 [email protected] Email: questions@ambafrance- Email: [email protected] eg.chineseembassy.org eg.org kairo.diplo.de ambafrance-eg.org Japan - Embassy United Kingdom - Embassy United States - Embassy

9th Floor, 7 Ahmed Ragheb St. 5 Tawfik Diab Street Cairo Center Building, Garden City, Cairo Garden City, Cairo 2 Abdel Kader Hamza Street, Egypt Egypt Garden City Phone: +202-27-91-60-00 Phone: +202-27-97-33-00 Cairo Fax: +202-27-91-61-33 Fax: +202-27-97-32-00 Phone: +202-795-3962 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Fax: +202-796-3540 gov.uk/government/egypt egypt.usembassy.gov/ Email: [email protected] eg.emb-japan.go.jp

Crime: Crime generally poses a moderate threat in Egypt

Most crimes against travelers are petty crimes of opportunity such as bag-snatching and pickpocketing. Such crimes tend to be non-confrontational, but criminals may resort to violence if resisted. Crowded markets, restaurants, cafés, hotel lobbies, and public transportation networks are prime areas for criminals to steal valuables from unsuspecting travelers. Criminals on motorbikes have carried out drive-by snatch-and-grab thefts in city centers, resulting in injuries to victims.

Violent crime is also prevalent in Egypt, including armed robberies and muggings. Carjackings at gunpoint and knifepoint have been reported on the highway linking Cairo and Alexandria, Wadi el-Natroun Road, and the Cairo Ring Road. Carjacking risk increases during the late-night and early-morning hours. Most carjackings are carried out with the intention of stealing a vehicle and may result in grievous bodily harm. In August 2014, a US national was killed during a suspected carjacking attempt near Cairo.

Criminal gangs operate in Cairo with the intent to kidnap and ransom wealthy individuals. Typically, wealthy Egyptian families are more likely to be targeted than foreigners. However, the risk of Islamist militants kidnapping for propaganda purposes is elevated for foreigners traveling in the Sinai and the Western Desert regions. The proliferation of weapons, many of which have been smuggled across the border from Libya, contributes to the persistence of armed criminal activity and banditry in the Sinai.

There have been reported cases of rape and sexual assault against female travelers, including in crowded areas, isolated streets, taxis, buses, and hotels. Foreign women are advised to observe social customs as they pertain to clothing and avoid traveling alone at night. Related Advice: Personal security while walking.

Geopolitical: The geopolitical threat is considered moderate for Egypt

Egyptian politics has largely stabilized following years of unrest and turmoil after the popular uprising which led to the overthrow of President Mubarak in 2011. However, the current president, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, still faces popular unrest due to his administration's introduction of austerity measures and authoritarian approach to stifling dissent. The country currently faces a range of political and economic issues including high youth unemployment, a lack of international investor confidence, corruption, extrajudicial police tactics, static public wages, and a sharp downturn in tourism.

There is currently a great deal of political apathy in Egypt and the lack of democratic engagement has fueled recent protests in major cities like Cairo and Alexandria. Anti-government demonstrations are likely to continue due to slowing economic development. However, there is little popular appetite for another anti-government uprising, and heavy security is always visible to deter any large-scale public dissent. The dominant attitude shared by the media and politicians is a nationalist, pro-army, and anti-Muslim Brotherhood sentiment, which aids Sisi's popularity. According to local and foreign non-governmental organizations, corruption is rife in Egypt.

Kidnapping/Hostage Situation: The threat of kidnapping in Egypt is moderate

The threat of kidnapping in Egypt is moderate. The most common types of abduction in Egypt include kidnap-for- ransom and political kidnapping. These kidnappings are generally resolved quickly, though victims of political kidnapping face the threat of injury or death during their captivity.

The threat is most elevated in the outlying regions of the country, including the Sinai Peninsula, and areas in proximity to the borders with Libya and Sudan.

Related Advice: Increasing your chances of survival in a kidnapping/hostage situation Related Advice: Avoiding and surviving kidnapping situations.

Security Services: Summary of security services in Egypt

Security forces in Egypt are generally unreliable. Responsiveness is poor and overall security capabilities are limited. Police in Egypt typically speak only Arabic.

Although Egypt has a number of different security forces, the tourist police are likely to be the most relevant for foreign nationals, while resident foreign nationals will typically interact with the civil police. Corruption and human rights abuses are pervasive among Egyptian police forces.

Interaction with Travelers

In Egypt, foreign nationals in need of assistance should liaise with their diplomatic mission and avoid contact with security forces.

Terrorism: Terrorism generally poses a high threat in Egypt

There is a high threat of terror attacks targeting foreign travelers in Egypt. Egypt is currently under a state of emergency which has been repeatedly extended in three-month intervals since April 2017 due to ongoing terror threats across the country, notably including an insurgency in the North Sinai region. Terrorists operating in Egypt have targeted military and police, government officials, diplomatic offices, tourists, Israeli interests, container ships, UN peacekeepers, and energy infrastructure. Groups linked to the Islamic State (IS), including the affiliate Wilayat Sinai, are the primary threat and have mounted the largest terror attacks. The main risk is in North Sinai, where there are frequent reports of incursions against security forces. A significant incident took place in November 2017, when militants with alleged links to IS attacked a Sufi mosque in the region, killing at least 305 people. The incident highlighted the ability of North Sinai-based militants to stage complex attacks.

In recent years, many attacks have targeted Egypt's minority Coptic Christian community. Its members have been repeatedly targeted by Islamic extremist groups utilizing knives, firearms, and explosive devices. An armed attack on a bus in May 2017 resulted in the deaths of 28 Coptic Christians in the town of Minya, south of Cairo. The risk of a terrorist attack is also elevated in major cities west of the and in South Sinai. Attacks may affect tourism, public spaces, Western assets, government targets, and religious minorities. Another significant incident was perpetrated by IS in October 2015, when the group planted a that brought down over the Sinai Desert. Wilayat Sinai has kidnapped and murdered foreign nationals. Lone- wolf attacks have targeted tourists, including a July 2017 knife attack that killed two German women and wounded two other tourists in the beach resort of . There is a threat of ambushes and kidnapping, especially around the popular pilgrimage site of St. Catherine's Monastery and along roads leading to Taba, Dahab, and, to a lesser extent, Sharm al-Sheikh, as well as near the Libyan border.

Muslim Brotherhood (MB) supporters are suspected of attacking security forces and targets associated with Egypt's elite and Western influences in Cairo and other major cities. Two Islamist groups with suspected MB ties, Liwa al-Thawra and the Harakat Sawa'd Misr (Hasm), have both claimed responsibility for attacks and assassinations. Gunmen from Liwa al-Thawra and Hasm have opened fire from moving vehicles on police officers, government officials, and soldiers, mainly in Cairo and the Giza region. Hasm has threatened to target the US Embassy in Cairo and claimed a September 2017 attack on Myanmar's embassy in the capital. Small, crudely built explosive devices have been planted and detonated in public areas and these attacks have caused the deaths of tourists in Cairo and Giza, which have been linked to both Hasm and the Muslim Brotherhood by the security forces.

Far-left groups have also attacked corporate targets, including banks, fast food franchises, and cell phone providers, although these pose a limited threat to travelers.

Related Advice: General guidelines to protect yourself against terrorism. Related Advice: Increasing your chances of survival in a kidnapping/hostage situation Related Advice: Recognizing suspicious objects and the threat of hidden explosives while traveling

Weather, Currency Exchange

EGYPT WEATHER CURRENCY EXCHANGE

Cairo Airport: CURRENCY 1 Egyptian 1 Euro 1 US Jul 12 Jul 13 Jul 14 Jul 15 Jul 16 NAMES Pound = = Dollar = Egyptian 1.0000 18.6035 15.6700 High: High: High: High: High: Pound 104° F 104° F 104° F 107° F 110° F Euro 0.0538 1.0000 0.8423 (40° C) (40° C) (40° C) (41° C) (43° C) US Dollar 0.0638 1.1872 1.0000 Low: 74° Low: 73° Low: 72° Low: 72° Low: 76° F (23° C) F (22° C) F (22° C) F (22° C) F (24° C)

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