3 Egyptian officers ‘still alive’

Jihadist leader and Islamic Party chief Mohammed Abu Samra has claimed “secret negotiations” are underway to secure the release of three Egyptian police officers kidnapped since 2011. Abu Samra believes the three men, kidnapped since Egypt’s 2011 revolution, are being held in Area C of the Sinai Peninsula, a place “controlled by drug dealers and arms smugglers.” “The security forces’ presence in the region is weak,” he said. “The army doesn’t exist at all.” Earlier reports suggested the three officers were being held in a secret prison in the Gaza Strip, run by Hamas. “It turns out the officers are still alive,” he added. Abu Samra claimed the men were kidnapped “for revenge,” but did not elaborate.