Egyptian security forces seized eight anti-aircraft missiles and four shoulder launchers in the Sinai that were destined for the Gaza Strip. Empty crates of rocket launchers were reportedly also found at the site but were apparanyly stolen before security forces arrived, reports said. Egyptian security officials said they believe the weapons were smuggled into the Sinai Peninsual either from Sudan or Libya. Israeli intelligence officials recently warned that Libya was becoming one of the sources to smuggle weapons to terrorist groups operating in Gaza. Anti aircraft missiles could threaten Egypt's tourist industry if they are fired at plans landing in the Sinai. Also such missiles in the hands of terrorists in Gaza could be used to down Israeli military and civilian aircraft. In recent weeks Egyptian security forces were deployed in the Sinai Peninsula to hunt down terror networks affiliated with al-Qaida known to be operating in the area.
