Details of ISIS cell in Upper Egypt investigations

The Supreme State Security Prosecution has completed its investigations into case 148 of 2017, known as “ISIS Upper Egypt”, in which 35 defendants have been accused so far of belonging to ISIS organization and planning to target Copts.

According to Shorouk, the prosecution faced the accused with the above charges, as well as belonging to a group established contrary to the law.

These investigations were presented to Nabil Sadiq, the Attorney General. Investigations revealed that this organization was established in Upper Egypt, led by the deceased Ashraf Hasan al-Gharabli, the cell that attempted to blow up the Karnak temple, but the operation failed and the cell members were arrested. The organization decided to form a self-governing cell and rely on funds managed by the organization itself and robbing Coptic shops And stealing their cars.

The organization also identified a number of targets for the cell, including Coptic and military installations.

The accused were also trained to fight and carry weapons in ISIS camps, as well as to install and dismantle bombs. On the other hand, they were subjected to religious education aimed at killing Copts and targeting state installations and military installations.

According to judicial sources, this case confirms that ISIS has begun to operate independently of Sinai state, so it is difficult to monitor it’s personnel, and communication become weak with members of the state of Sinai, especially after the fall of the members in Libya and the success of the Police in tracking the electronic communications of the organization leaders.