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Africa: North
Egypt denies existence of al-Qaeda Sinai base
2005-10-12
An Egyptian security source denied in comments published Tuesday Israel's claim that Al-Qaeda network established a base in the Sinai Peninsula. Al-Gumhuriyah daily quoted the source as saying "that there is absolutely no Al-Qaeda base in Sinai," adding that the security forces are still operating in Sinai to control "all elements still at large within Al-Halal mountain after taking part in the recent Sinai attacks."

On Sunday, Israel's Intelligence Chief Gen. Ze'evi-Farkash said Al-Qaeda had built at least one base in Sinai, from where activists are sent to Gaza Strip and from there to Israel.
Posted by:Dan Darling

#3  It was done by using hammers and chisels of harder stone on softer stone, Danielle, as a diamond scratches glass. They just took things slower in the olden days, is all. :-)

It is interesting how only weeks ago Egypt was saying that the attacks on the Sharm hotels was clearly an act of Al Qaeda - Beduin branch, and now they're saying AQ isn't there. I wonder what they discovered in their search for the perpetrators?
Posted by: trailing wife   2005-10-12 11:53  

#2  The Sinai is home to the ancient mines. They dug vertical shafts into the rock, then extended horizontal tunnels large enough to work in underneath the rock. Earthquakes have sometimes concealed the entrances with falling rock, as was the case with the Qumran caves, but the ancients were far more talented than most would imagine. Petra is quite the carved city, with towering pillars and facades fairly recently unearthed. I have no idea how this was done, but I wouldn't be surprised if Bin Laden had a new cave complex high in the hills. The stated goal has always been Israel, Jerusalem in particular, so Al Qaeda in the Sinai and Gaza should surprise no one.
Posted by: Danielle   2005-10-12 10:23  

#1  Proof positive that it DOES exist, AFAIAK.
Posted by: Ptah   2005-10-12 07:42  

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