A group of armed Bedouins entered an international peacekeeping military base in the Egyptian Sinai region Wednesday to protest against the ongoing trials of four fellow tribesmen, reported Colombian media Thursday.
The base is home to 300 Colombian, 80 American and 35 Uruguayan soldiers.
Colombian Ambassador to Egypt Admiral Edgar Cely said, “There is no danger for Colombian soldiers stationed there. There are no problems with the water supply and it is not a situation which puts their lives at risk.”
Head of the Uruguayan Army General Pedro Aguerre told international media the situation began Sunday when the Bedouins blocked roads to the base with burning tires and culminated when the groups charged through a perimeter fence.
According to newspaper El Heraldo, the attack initially injured 42 soldiers, seven of which were airlifted out to receive treatment. It is not thought any Colombians were among the injured.
The Egyptian government is currently in negotiations with Sinai Bedouin representatives and has said a resolution is expected shortly.
The Sinai Bedouin have a history of acts against the Egyptian state, protesting their perceived mistreatment at the hands of the government, but this is the first attack against multinational forces in the border zone.