THE DAY after revoking the state of emergency, President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi named Lieutenant General Osama Askar as chief of staff of the Egyptian Armed Forces (EAF). Observers naturally saw a connection.
Askar was a key figure in the fight against terrorism in Sinai, heading the unified command of counter-terrorist operations east of the Suez Canal. He also served as assistant to the general commander of the Armed Forces for Sinai Development Affairs, reflecting the two-pronged nature of the comprehensive counter-terrorist strategy in Sinai.
In tandem with the military’s counter-terrorist operations, an LE700 billion development programme was set in motion, kick-starting an unprecedented economic boom in the peninsula.
The Egyptian press continues to refer to Askar as the Sinai Eagle, a nickname bestowed in recognition of his role in defeating terrorism.
As chief of staff Askar will continue with the radical overhaul of all branches of the military that began seven years ago.
Born in the Daqhaliya governorate in 1957, Askar graduated from the Military Academy, went on to obtain a masters in military sciences and fellowship from the Nasser Higher Military Academy, and attended the senior commanders’ course at the Higher Military College. After serving in command position in the infantry, including commander of the Mechanised Infantry Brigade, he was appointed to the Military Operations Authority, and in August 2012 was the recipient of an exceptional promotion, becoming commander of the Third Field Army.
*A version of this article appears in print in the 4 November, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
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