Following terrorist attacks on 24 October around Sheikh Zuwayed and al-Arish, that killed over 30 soldiers, a state of emergency and curfew has been declared for three months. The measures are in force in an area along the coast between al-Arish and Rafah and extend approximately 40km to the south.
There are regular bomb attacks against government buildings, security forces and energy infrastructure. The Al Arish area has seen many attacks, but the whole of the North Sinai region is at risk.
Foreign workers have been taken hostage by Bedouin tribesmen.
Security authorities often close the Suez-Taba road.