Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Jordan Condemn Attack on Egyptian Border Guards

Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, and the Arab League condemned an armed attack on Egyptian border guard forces in southern Egypt that resulted in the deaths of two military officers, according to statements issued on Friday, 6 November.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its condemnation of the attack and affirmed its solidarity with Egypt in confronting threats to its security. The ministry also extended condolences to the officers’ families and the Egyptian government.

Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs similarly condemned the attack, reiterating its rejection of violence, terrorism, and criminal acts, regardless of their motives.

Jordan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Fouad Al-Majali expressed support for Egypt and conveyed condolences to the families of the two officers.

The Arab League also condemned the attack, affirming its support for Egypt’s efforts to protect its security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The organisation described Egypt’s security and stability as a fundamental pillar of Arab national security.

The condemnations followed an announcement by Egyptian Military Spokesperson Colonel Ahmed Othman Ali on Thursday, 5 November, that two officers had been killed during operations targeting illegal gold mining in the Eastern Desert.

The officers were identified as Colonel Ahmed Samir, Chief of Staff of the Southern Region Border Guard Forces, and Lieutenant Colonel Ahmed Gouda, Operations Chief of a border guard battalion in the Southern Military Region.

The deaths occurred during a large-scale military campaign against unauthorised gold extraction, which has been underway since 14 June.

According to the military spokesperson, the first three phases of the campaign, conducted through 29 October, resulted in the apprehension of 691 people, including 151 Egyptians and 540 foreign nationals, while another 6,614 people voluntarily surrendered before operations began.

The Armed Forces also reported seizing weapons, ammunition, vehicles, and mining equipment during the operations.

The fourth phase of the campaign was scheduled to begin on Saturday, 7 November, with intensified border patrols aimed at preventing illegal mining activities from resuming.

The incident occurred during a military campaign against illegal gold mining in the Eastern Desert. According to the Armed Forces, armed criminal groups exchanged fire with Egyptian troops during the operations.