Egypt Daily News – In a decisive operation underscoring Egypt’s ongoing war against terrorism, the Ministry of Interior successfully thwarted a major plot by the terrorist group Hasm, the militant arm of the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood aimed at destabilizing national security through planned attacks on vital installations. The operation resulted in the death of two armed militants and the tragic loss of an innocent civilian.
The operation was part of a broader strategy by Egyptian security forces to counter persistent threats posed by extremist elements seeking to revive violent activity inside the country. According to the Ministry, actionable intelligence gathered by the National Security Sector pointed to an imminent threat orchestrated by Hasm leaders operating in exile, particularly in Turkey. These operatives were allegedly coordinating the infiltration of trained militants into Egypt to carry out attacks against security and economic infrastructure.
One of the key figures involved in this plot was identified as Ahmed Mohamed Abdel Razek Ahmed Ghoneim a high-profile fugitive convicted in absentia of multiple terror-related crimes, including the assassination of security personnel and an attempted attack on the presidential aircraft. Ghoneim reportedly entered Egypt illegally via remote desert routes after receiving advanced military training abroad. He was hiding in a residential apartment in the densely populated district of Boulaq El-Dakrour, using it as a staging ground for planned operations.
Accompanying him was Ihab Abdel Latif Mohamed Abdel Qader, another wanted individual implicated in conspiracies targeting high-ranking officials. Following legal clearance from the Supreme State Security Prosecution, security forces moved to raid the hideout. Upon arrival, the suspects opened fire indiscriminately at both officers and bystanders, prompting an immediate response from the security team. Both suspects were killed in the exchange.
Tragically, the gunfire also claimed the life of 30-year-old engineer Mostafa Anwar Ahmed Afifi, who happened to be passing by on his way to dawn prayers. A police officer was also injured while attempting to shield Afifi from the attack. The Interior Ministry confirmed that Afifi succumbed to his wounds shortly after the incident.
Afifi, a native of Ashlim village in Menoufia Governorate and a graduate of the Aviation Technology Engineering Institute in 2017, worked in Giza and was known for his dedication to his profession and community. His death sparked a wave of mourning across his hometown, where he was laid to rest with full honors. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi issued a directive to include his family in the national compensation and honors program for victims of war, terrorism, and security operations.
Investigations have also shed further light on the organizational structure and leadership behind Hasm’s renewed operations. Among those identified are Yehia El-Sayed Ibrahim Moussa, considered one of the movement’s founders and masterminds who has been sentenced to death in absentia for the assassination of Egypt’s former Public Prosecutor, in addition to multiple life sentences related to plots targeting public figures and critical assets.
Others implicated include:
- Mohamed Rafik Ibrahim Manaa, sentenced to life in prison for planning attacks on prominent individuals and forging official documents.
- Alaa Ali Al-Samahi, facing several life sentences related to attempted assassinations, including that of the Alexandria Security Director.
- Mohamed Abdel Hafeez Abdullah and Ali Mahmoud Abdel Wanis, both convicted in military courts for involvement in armed terror operations.
The Ministry of Interior reiterated its unwavering commitment to pre-emptive security operations and intelligence-driven efforts to dismantle terrorist networks. Authorities emphasized that the vigilance and coordination of Egypt’s security apparatus continue to play a vital role in safeguarding national stability, despite persistent attempts by extremist elements to incite chaos.
As investigations continue and further security measures are implemented, the state has pledged to honor the sacrifices of civilians and law enforcement personnel who have given their lives in defense of the nation.
