Story perspectives

Egypt-Sudan Border Raid Detains 223 Over Gold Smuggling

6/24/2026

Summary

Security Forces Detain

Security forces detained 87 Egyptians and 136 foreigners along the Egypt-Sudan border for illegal gold mining and smuggling.
The raid seized equipment used in unlicensed mining.
The military said some detainees voluntarily surrendered and were repatriated to their home countries.
Sudan’s general Abdel-Fattah Burhan urged citizens to avoid border areas, noting that a 2024 U.N. report said 50% of Sudan’s gold is smuggled, providing about 70% of its revenue.

Summary

Egyptian Military Secures

The Egyptian military coordinated the Southern Military Region operation with the Ministry of Interior to protect the investment climate, economic stability, sustainable development, and economic security.
Undocumented border crossers received humanitarian assistance before being deported to their home nations.
Seized assets—including 14 transport vehicles, wireless devices, cash in Egyptian pounds and foreign currencies—plus 223 detainees were transferred to judicial authorities for prosecution under international treaties and humanitarian-law guidelines.

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Security Forces Detain

Security forces detained 87 Egyptians and 136 foreigners along the Egypt-Sudan border for illegal gold mining and smuggling.
The raid seized equipment used in unlicensed mining.
The military said some detainees voluntarily surrendered and were repatriated to their home countries.
Sudan’s general Abdel-Fattah Burhan urged citizens to avoid border areas, noting that a 2024 U.N. report said 50% of Sudan’s gold is smuggled, providing about 70% of its revenue.

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