Egyptian forces detained hundreds near the Sudan border in a crackdown on illegal gold mining and smuggling, seizing substantial mining equipment and detaining at least 87 Egyptians and 136 foreign nationals. The operation took place in a border region that abuts Sudan, where a 2024 U.N. report found more than half of gold production is smuggled abroad and gold accounts for roughly 70% of national revenue. Video footage and local reports say many of those detained were Sudanese miners; authorities said some surrendered and were returned home. The military warned it "retains all available options" to address related threats.
Egypt Detains Hundreds Near Sudan Border in Sweep Targeting Illegal Gold Mining
FILE - A pan containing gold-bearing sediment and heavy mineral concentrate sits at an artisanal mining site in Dalago Mahas, Sudan's Northern State,Friday, May 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohnd Blal, File)(AP Photo/Mohnd Blal)
Egyptian security forces said they detained hundreds of people, including foreign nationals, at sites along the country’s border with Sudan in an operation targeting illegal gold mining and smuggling, the military announced on Monday.
Operation and Detentions
In a military statement, authorities said the operation resulted in the detention of 87 Egyptian nationals and 136 foreigners, though it did not specify the countries of origin for the latter group. Officials also reported the seizure of "large amounts of equipment and devices used in illegal mining operations."
Context: Gold and Cross-Border Smuggling
Southern Egypt contains significant gold deposits, and the government has promoted major projects in the region, including the Sukari megaproject. The border area abuts Sudan, which also has extensive gold resources. A 2024 U.N. Panel of Experts report found that more than half of Sudan’s gold production was being smuggled out of the country, and estimated that gold accounts for roughly 70% of Sudan’s revenue.
Reports From The Border
Video clips posted online showed large groups of Sudanese at a crossing between the two countries; Sudanese media reported that many were miners who had been detained and expelled by Egyptian authorities. The Egyptian military said some suspected miners surrendered to authorities and were later returned to their home countries, but it did not elaborate on their nationalities.
"The military retains all available options to deal with all threats," the statement warned.
Why It Matters
Gold has played a central role in fueling conflict in Sudan. Rival forces, including the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), have been accused of profiting from unregulated mining and smuggling operations in regions such as Darfur and Kordofan to finance their activities. Egypt’s crackdown underscores regional security concerns tied to illicit resource flows and cross-border migration.
Note: Details about the nationalities of all detainees and the legal status or outcome for those expelled were not provided in the military statement.
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