Tightened security measures in the Sinai Peninsula are hurting tourism in the popular mountains of the South Sinai governorate, as the Egyptian army works to prevent terrorist attacks. Now some politicians are trying to loosen the measures in the south of the peninsula, which is considered safer.
Islamist groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State have plagued North Sinai governorate for years. In November, hundreds of people, including dozens of children, were killed in an attack on a northern Sinai mosque. Egypt's armed forces then announced Feb. 9 that they were launching a comprehensive military operation in the peninsula. The army closed several mountain trails and banned SUVs, which are often used by tourists for off-road trips, but are also used by armed Islamist groups in the north. The military is still on high alert.
