Two Egyptian army officers killed in gold-mining crackdown on southern border

Two Egyptian army officers, including a high-ranking border guard officer, were killed during a military crackdown on illegal gold mining along Egypt's southern border with Sudan, a military spokesperson said on Thursday.



The military launched the campaign to counter illegal gold mining in the Eastern Desert in June, with the first three phases complete. The military said the fourth phase was due to begin on Saturday, adding the campaign intended to strengthen state control over Egyptian territory and protect national resources.



It was not immediately clear when the two officers were killed, and the spokesperson did not specify the timing of their deaths.



The military spokesperson said authorities had detained 151 Egyptians and 540 foreigners during the campaign.