Gaza. .Heavy exchange of fire between Bedouin clans and riot police

[Catherina]

By SMS, from a friend on the ground

Bedouin clans bombed the Egyptian State Security headquarters in Rafah. Bedouin families revolution is for detainees' release in Sinai. Those families own more weapons than the riot police... a policeman would be scared to walk between their houses


More than 20 checkpoints on the road to Sinai. You don't know who is blocking the road, riot police, army, state security or bedouin clans, and al ask for identity... Heavy exchange of fire between Bedouin clans and riot police, 12 killed and over 25 injured from both sides.

This explains all the troops on the Sinai now, despite the peace treaty clause.

[LiberalLoner]

1. Yeah but the troops are at the opposite end of the Sinai - way down south

in Sharm El-Sheik...not within marching distance, not within easy transport distance even...

Guessing the troops down south are guarding Mubarak et al.

[Catherina]

6. Thanks. Wasn't aware of that. n/t

[Change Happens]

2. I love the Bedouins...tough people, don't answer to anyone.

I hope they leave them alone...

[tabatha]

3. Oh oh

The Bedouin protect UNESCO World Heritage Site St Catherine's, and hate the Egyptians.

It is near Sharm el-Sheikh.

[LiberalLoner]

4. Don't think there will be trouble. The Bedouin don't want to pick a fight with Egypt in

general, they just want what is going on in Gaza, to stop.

[tabatha]

5. Hamas units infiltrating as Egyptian forces are transferred from Gaza border

GAZA CITY — Egypt has withdrawn most of its security forces along the border with the Gaza Strip.

Security sources said the Egyptian Interior Ministry has ordered the transfer of hundreds of security officers from the Sinai-Gaza border. They said the officers were deployed to El Arish and Rafah in an attempt to protect government and security facilities from Bedouin attackers. At least 12 people have been reported killed over the last 24 hours.

Security sources said the absence of Egyptian patrols has sparked Hamas infiltration into Sinai. "The border is only being guarded on the Hamas side — not on the Egyptian side," a security source said.

http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribune/WTARC/2011/me_hamas0079_01_31.asp