Egyptian Army's Sinister Secret: Mass Grave Exposes Unlawful Killings in Sinai

Mass Grave Reveals Scale of Unlawful Killings by Egyptian Army in Sinai A mass grave discovered in Egypt's Sinai province has exposed the scale of unlawful killings committed by the Egyptian army against civilians, according to human rights campaigners. The findings, shared exclusively with The Guardian, provide rare insight into a decade-long conflict between Egyptian security forces and Islamic State-aligned militants. Hundreds of Bodies Found Exposed or Buried Just Below Ground The Sinai Foundation for Human Rights discovered the mass grave near a military outpost while conducting research into disappearances and extrajudicial killings. Researchers found hundreds of skeletons, with some lying on the surface and others buried just 30cm below ground. The group's investigation suggests that these bodies could have been buried at the site. Campaigners Call for Accountability "We are talking about a grave that has been deliberately hidden from view," said Ahmed Ragheb, executive director of the Sinai Foundation for Human Rights. "The Egyptian authorities must take responsibility for these killings and ensure those responsible are held accountable." Background: Conflict in Sinai The conflict in the Sinai region began in 2013, when Egyptian security forces launched a campaign against Islamic State-aligned militants. The fighting has resulted in thousands of civilian casualties, with many more reported missing or detained. Implications for Society The discovery of the mass grave raises concerns about the use of force by the Egyptian military and the lack of accountability for human rights abuses. "This is not just a matter of human rights; it's also a matter of national security," said Ragheb. "If we don't address these issues, they will continue to fuel extremism and undermine our efforts to build stability in the region." Current Status and Next Developments The Egyptian government has yet to comment on the findings. The Sinai Foundation for Human Rights plans to present its research to international human rights organizations and call for an independent investigation into the killings. As the conflict in the Sinai region continues, the discovery of the mass grave serves as a stark reminder of the need for accountability and transparency in the use of force by military forces. *Reporting by Theguardian.*