Explosions in Dahab
 

There have been several expolsions in Dahab on Egypt's Sinai Peninsula. At least 22 people dead and 150 wounded.

My sincere condolences to the families of those killed and the very best wishes for a complete and speedy recovery to the injured.

Latest reports are at least 30 dead and 150 injured. Most of the victims appear to be Egyptians that worked, shopped and lived in and around the area of the suq.

Egyptian security services are not yet allowing people to leave. This was not a suicide bomber. There were 3 bombs planted ahead of time. They have hopes of still catching at least some of the terrorists.

The injured are being taken to hospital in Sharm. There is talk of about 20 ambulances. Help has been offered by Israel. The Egyptian services feel that they don't need it, that they are in full control of the situation.

Conflicting reports claim that it was meant to attack the tourist population - Egypt's second highest form of income according to the reports. All agree that it was an attack by a fundamentalist Islamic group with connections to Al Qaida.

A restaurant, a market, and a hotel - all were hit at dinner time. It was a popular tourist place at the hight of a tourist season.

There are "breaking news" on several websites.

i'm in egypt in mid may and will be spending 4 nights in hurgada.sharm and dahab were on my tour plan as a part of diving experience.these explosions have left me nervous.will certainly not be able to enjoy the holiday with the presence of heavy security.can anyone give me a clear picture and advice on whether its wise to go ahead.

Harsha: It's a really difficult decision, and one only you can make. It is the 3rd terrorist attack on Egyptian Red Sea resorts in about 18 months, so it was clear before this last atrocity that any such places could be targets.

I was in Egypt 2 weeks ago, and we took the risk into account - but what would I have felt if our group had been caught up in something like this?

All I can say is that security will be even tighter now. It was very obvious when we were there (lots of armed police, police van accompanying our tour bus, metal detectors in hotels) but how effective I can't say. For instance the metal detectors seemed largely for show, as most people simply walked round them, or if they beeped, no-one bothered. (And, none of this will prevent someone planting a bomb in a public place). So, if heavy security will spoil your holiday, Egypt is not the place to go (now or previously).

I hope I would still decide to travel there, and support the people in Egypt. Good luck with your decision.

Also, look at your country's government website and see if they currently recommend not travelling to that region.

thanks Ruth.you've put it very logically and philosophically.the decision is purely mine.its rather sad that the locals and the tourists are exposed to such henious crimes,considering that most killed are egyptians.may god give egyptians strength.and your right,we must not be put off.think i'll go ahead.

Harsha,
I am not an expert by any means on these matters but I do agree 100% with what Ruth has stated. If you do go your presence will most likely be warmly recieved and appreciated by the always hospitable Egyptions.
I do hope this won't affect their tourism.
My heart does bleed for the poor unsuspecting victims and their families.
Sherry

How awful!

But don't forget that terrorism is now rife all around the world and you're not immune from it at home either.

Travelling in the aftermath of such a tragedy is often one of the safest times to travel and as has been said above, you will certainly be received warmly once there.

But at the end of the day only you can make the decision as it's certainly a very personal one.

sorry for the misspell - Egyptians

I would go and enjoy.

Chernobyl aside, it's usually safest to visit a place just after something bad happend there. But, I can understand those who don't feel this way.

This morning in the news I saw a map of Egypt with several explosion points. Are those the new ones or they showed the prior ones?

I think it may be new ones.

On the BBC website it says (Tues 26th April) "Two suicide bombers attacked security personnel and foreign peacekeepers in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, but did not cause any injuries to their targets."
"The attacks come two days after a triple bombing on the Sinai resort town of Dahab, which killed 23 people."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/mid...st/4946244.stm

How absolutely dreadful. My heart goes out to the people of Egypt and to anyone who has been injured or lost family or friends.

I mean of course Weds 26th April.

Guys; I had a couple of emails from Mohammed Ali in Dahab, after my question about Jordan. He was immensely helpful. I've been in email contact with him the last day or so; and have just had this back.


"Thank you again for your lovely e-mail and we appreciate your inner feelings


We all here have strong hope that with your support we will stand up again
and walk out of the dark.

We will see the light again with your support and the other friends who
knows how is Dahab.

We hope that you give this message to all your friends that we still here
and we waiting for you guys to come again"

you guys have been great support.i guess its people like you who have helped the tourism industry thrive irrespective of any adversities,at the same time imbibing culture and the ethos of the land.kudos!! united we stand.