The Egyptian Armed Forces have released the first episode of the documentary series Southern Shield, highlighting how the Armed Forces and the civil police dealt with individuals who surrendered following a large-scale security operation in Egypt’s southern region.
According to the official Facebook page of Colonel Ahmed Etman, the Official Military Spokesperson of the Egyptian Armed Forces, the episode documents the treatment of individuals who voluntarily surrendered following the operation. He stressed that all procedures were carried out within the framework of Egyptian law and in accordance with international conventions, with the aim of safeguarding security while protecting human rights.
The episode explains that the joint operation succeeded in cutting supply routes used by criminal groups operating in illegal gold mining areas along Egypt’s southern border. As security forces tightened control over the region, a number of people hiding in the mountains chose to surrender at military checkpoints.
According to testimonies featured in series, many of those who surrendered said remaining in the mountains had become more dangerous than handing themselves over to the Egyptian authorities.
Several Sudanese nationals interviewed in the documentary urged others still inside the illegal mining areas to leave and surrender peacefully. They said they had been provided with food, drinking water and shelter after surrendering, adding that they had not been subjected to abuse or humiliation.
The witnesses also warned that those remaining in the mountains were facing severe shortages of water and food after security forces sealed off the area. They said the available water was unsafe for drinking and urged those still inside to surrender before the humanitarian situation worsened.
They stressed that the Egyptian authorities were targeting armed criminal groups and illegal weapons rather than Sudanese nationals working in the mining areas. They encouraged those still hiding to surrender safely so they could later be repatriated to Sudan after completing the necessary legal procedures.
The documentary concludes by reaffirming that detainees are being treated in full compliance with international human rights conventions before legal measures are completed and arrangements are made for their return to their home countries.
It also underlines that state institutions remain committed to combating organised crime, dismantling illegal networks, cutting off criminal supply routes and enforcing the rule of law along Egypt’s southern border.
The first episode was released under the hashtags Southern Shield and Law Protects Everyone, reflecting Egypt’s message that security operations are conducted in accordance with the law while respecting internationally recognised human rights standards.
