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Cargo traffic unaffected as strong military presence keeps Egypt’s major ports secure
The Suez Canal and Egypt’s major ports are continuing to operate as usual with no reported disruptions to cargo traffic despite the Egyptian army declaring a state of emergency in the provinces of South Sinai and Suez last week.
Mohab Mameesh, the head of the Suez Canal Authority, told Reuters that the movement of ships was not affected by attacks that took place in the Sinai town of El Arish, adding that as many as 48 vessels passed through the Canal on Friday.
A shipping source also told reporters that the country’s ports “are open and operating normally”.
“Nothing has been affected at Alexandria, Damietta, Red Sea ports and the Suez Canal for now,” he added.
Meanwhile, a further source told Reuters that the Ports of Suez, Said and Ismailia and the east bank of the Suez Canal remain secure.
“All have huge troop deployments that have not been seen for a long time,” the source said.
Last week, Mohammed Morsi was removed from power by the Egyptian army following widespread protests against the Islamist President’s regime. However, the United Nations and the international community are growing increasingly concerned at the likelihood of civil war amid increasing levels of violence between pro and anti Morsi demonstrators since last week’s military coup. As many as 30 civilians died in clashes across Egypt on Friday.
