The volatile situation in Sinai has forced the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) to close two of its checkpoints.
This was confirmed to the Fiji Sun at Korovou, Tailevu yesterday by the RFMF Commander, Rear Admiral Viliame Naupoto.
More than 1600 international forces occupy outposts in the Sinai, including our Fijian men and women.
Fox News had earlier reported that in early September, the United States Pentagon added 75 more troops, as well as additional armoured vehicles including four Bradley Fighting Vehicles, after another ISIS attack injured two of our Fijian peacekeepers.
It also reported that our base was typically hit by incoming fire once a day.
However, Commander Naupoto said our Fijian peacekeepers were used to the volatile situation.
The Fijian peacekeepers, he confirmed, were safe and their families here should not be worried.
The Commander said their security was good and the RFMF was receiving daily reports of the activities the Fijian peacekeepers were engaged in.
“As usual they are carrying out their daily activities with pride,” the Commander said.
Meanwhile, The Daily News in Egypt reported: “Following reports on remote site evacuations by the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) in North Sinai earlier this month, a change appears to be in the cards as to how the mission will function in the future.”
The report added that the reality on the ground, more than 30 years since the signing of the treaty, indicated that the real threat for both sides came from a third party, the jihadist militants, who during Mubarak’s regime started carrying out terrorist attacks in Sinai as well as breaching the border with Gaza through the tunnels.
Edited by Manasa Kalouniviti
Feedback: maikab@fijisun.com.fj