Egypt Daily News – 51 years ago and on that same day of 6 October, Egypt set on to liberate it’s land, Sinai, from Israel and on the principle of “what was taken from you by force can only be returned to you by force”.
Former president Sadat, a genius and far ahead of everyone during his times wanted to break the “status quo” and from there the political wheel would spin where he was confident he would negotiate to retake all of Sinai, he needed a war for this and all his wishes came true.
The challenges where immense, including fighting a war with old weapons and equipment some from the second world war apart from economic challenges and facing an army that is superiorly equipped than yours.
However what most military analysist didn’t factor was the mettle, conviction and dedication of the Egyptian warrior, which led to the first victory an Arab country had over Israel.
The Israelis were totally kept in the dark as the Egyptian army moved towards the Suez canal in a brilliantly implemented deception plan. Then at 2:00PM Egyptian guns fired in anger.
It took Israel 6 years to build the Barlev line and it took Egypt 6 hours to capture most of it. The crossing of the Suez canal was an act of careful planning, heroism and bravery.
Who would have thought that you’d need water cannon to make several opening in the Barlev line, allowing for Egyptian armor and heavy weaponry to enter Sinai? It was of a young Christian officer Baqi Zaki Yusef Yaqut. We will not forget his gift to Egypt.
We salute all those who took part in liberating Sinai with honor, respect and dedicate this memory to their heroism. We gave Israel a beating they will never forget.
