by Nasser Al-Ezazy

Anonymous security source reports occupants unharmed during hijacking of army vehicle.

A group of unidentified armed men have hijacked an army vehicle in Al-Arish, North Sinai, according to a security source, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The armed hijackers, driving a four-wheel drive, stopped the army vehicle at gun point in Jisr Al-Wadi. The military personnel in the vehicle were forced to get out and were left unharmed as the kidnappers fled with the car into the desert.

The source speculated that the hijacking may be an attempt to pressure the government to release prisoners from Al-Arish.

Al-Arish has in the last few months witnessed several security threats from armed groups and military confrontation with militant groups.