Armed Forces start phase 2 of Eastern Desert illegal gold mining crackdown

CAIRO - 2 August 2026: The Egyptian Armed Forces on Sunday launched phase two of a major crackdown on illegal gold mining across the Eastern Desert.

According to an Armed Forces statement, past two would intensify search operations and raids in identified mining sites.

Carried out in coordination with the civil police and relevant state agencies, the second phase aims to preserve national resources and build upon the achievements of the campaign's first phase.

The first phase in June targeted networks involved in illicit activities—including weapons and drug trafficking, illegal gold mining, and undocumented migration—which officials stated directly threaten national security, economic stability, and sustainable development efforts.

The raids resulted in the arrest of 87 Egyptian nationals and 136 foreign nationals involved in these illicit operations.

Security forces seized 14 vehicles, wireless communication devices, and substantial sums of money in both Egyptian pounds and foreign currencies. Additionally, undocumented weapons, ammunition, and heavy equipment used for unregulated mining operations were confiscated.