The United States will deliver eight F-16 Block 52 aircraft to Egypt within the next two days, the US embassy in Cairo said in a statement on Thursday, part of a military package that had been unfrozen earlier this year.
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The United States’ $1.3 billion commitment this year to upgrading Egypt’s security and military strength is especially critical in light of Egypt’s intense efforts to confront terrorism.
According to a statement published on the embassy’s official website, the jets are being flown directly from the United States and will arrive at Cairo West Air Base on July 30 and 31.
Last month, Washington delivered two navy vessels to Egypt, doubling Cairo’s total fleet of Fast Missile Craft to four.
“Extremists threaten regional security and these weapon systems provide a new tool to help Egypt fight terrorism”, he said.
Egyptian forces have frequently battled with militants in the Sinai Peninsula region during July, including a rocket attack Saturday that killed a solider and injured five more, the Associated Press reported.
The statement said the U.S. will continue providing follow-on support, maintenance and training for Egyptian pilots and ground crews. Kerry and Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry will co-chair a strategic dialogue in Cairo.
Military aid has nevertheless eventually resumed.
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A police crackdown has left hundreds of Morsi supporters dead in street clashes, thousands more have been jailed and many sentenced to death in hasty trials.
