Obama Sends More Peacekeepers to Sinai

The United States announced that it is bolstering its peacekeeping force in the Sinai Peninsula by sending 75 additional troops and other assets to the region, in order to boost the security of the soldiers who have come under increasing attacks and threats from Islamic State-affiliated terror groups there.

According to Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook, the deployment will include a light infantry platoon and forward surgical teams, as well as equipment and vehicles, Reuters reported.

“Our concern right now, our top priority, is the safety and security of those U.S. personnel there,” Cook said.

Last week, a bomb attack in the Sinai wounded six soldiers, including four Americans.

The U.S. peacekeepers serve as part of a larger contingent of the Multinational Force and Observers, which was established following the 1979 peace treaty between Israel and Egypt. Around 700 U.S. soldiers serve as part of the mission.

Last month, reports suggested that President Barack Obama was mulling the future of U.S. involvement in the Sinai peacekeeping force due to the threats posed by Islamic State. Egypt has come under increasing attack from Islamic State terrorists in the region, and Israel has allowed Egypt to bolster its forces to their highest levels since the 1973 Yom Kippur War in order to confront the threat. 

For the original article, visit JNS.org.