Security sources: Freed Egyptian prisoners behind Sinai attack
Published 28 August 2012 22:12
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=514397

El-ARISH, Egypt (Ma'an) -- Egyptian security officials told Ma'an on
Saturday that several of those involved in an attack on a border post with
Israel earlier this month are Jihadis who had been recently released from
prison by the Egyptian president.

The sources also said forensic authorities have determined the identities of
some of the seven assailants who were killed by the Israeli army during the
assault on Aug. 5 -- and can confirm that at least three of them are
Egyptians.

Two are from Rafah and Sheikh Zuwaid in the Sinai peninsula, and the
third -- who had recently been released -- is from Mersa Matruh in northern
Egypt, they said.

Another three people security forces say were involved in the attack had
been released by President Muhammad Mursi 45 days before it took place, the
sources said.

They named them as Mahmoud Abdullah, 35, seized from Naja Shabana village a
few days after the attack, and Abu Al-Miqdadm Abu Khalid and Abu Abdullah
who were killed in the same military operation.

Another two bodies who died in the Naja Shabana operation could not be
identified.

After they were released from custody by Mursi they headed to the Sinai
peninsula to join Jihadi groups launching the attack, which left 16 Egyptian
border guards dead, the sources said.

There are 16 people still on a wanted list for involvement who are from
Rafah and Sheikh Zuwaid. They are under observation but cannot be captured
as they are hiding among Sinai civilians, the security officials said.