Egyptian security forces have detained hundreds of people near the southern border with Sudan, accusing them of involvement in illegal gold mining and cross-border smuggling operations, according to a statement from the Egyptian military.
The operation led to the detention of 87 Egyptians and 136 foreign nationals, though authorities did not disclose the nationalities of the foreign detainees. Officials also reported the seizure of large quantities of mining equipment allegedly used in unauthorized extraction activities in the border region.
Egypt’s southern desert area, which borders Sudan, is known to be rich in mineral deposits, particularly gold. The government has been investing heavily in formal mining operations, including major projects such as the Sukari gold mine. However, the same region has also become a hotspot for informal and illegal mining activity due to its remote terrain and porous border.
The crackdown comes amid heightened instability in Sudan, where ongoing conflict has disrupted state control over mining regions. Gold remains a critical economic resource in Sudan, accounting for a significant share of national revenue, and has also become a key source of financing for armed groups involved in the country’s civil war between rival military factions, including forces linked to Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the Rapid Support Forces.
Reports from regional monitoring bodies have long warned that a substantial portion of Sudan’s gold production is smuggled out of the country, often through informal cross-border networks. The chaos of the war has further weakened oversight, allowing illicit mining and trafficking routes to expand across borders with neighboring states, including Egypt.
Video footage shared on social media showed large groups of Sudanese nationals gathered at a border crossing, with local media reporting that many of them were miners detained and later expelled by Egyptian authorities. The Egyptian military confirmed that some individuals voluntarily surrendered and were subsequently returned to their countries of origin.
Sudanese authorities, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, acknowledged the issue and urged citizens to avoid border areas, stating that the government is working to combat illegal smuggling and investigate the situation further.
The Egyptian military warned that it would take all necessary measures to secure the border, signaling a continued hardline approach as regional instability and resource-driven smuggling networks grow increasingly intertwined.