An estimated 2100 people were killed in North Sinai in 2015, including roughly 1800 described by the military as “terrorists,” 150 civilians, 40 police officers and conscripts, and 140 military personnel. Many civilians are direct victims of militant attacks or are killed by often unidentified shelling. Others were killed in the crossfires during clashes between the military and militant groups. The estimate is a roundup based on statements by the military spokesperson as well as reporting from Aswat Masriya and Ahram Online. Because of restrictions on independent observers entering fighting zones, military statements are the primary source of information on counter-terrorism operations in Sinai. Human Rights Watch has estimated a higher total of over 3000 “terrorists” killed during the first half of 2015 alone, citing the Egyptian government. The area has seen a surge in violence since the ouster of former President Mohammed Morsi, where militant groups like Wilayet Sinai, formerly Ansar Beit Al-Maqdis, have claimed responsibility for hundreds of deadly attacks on security forces, along with many on civilians. Presdient Sisi recently stated that terrorism takes place in less than one percent of the area of North Sinai. Egypt…
